Syria’s Transitional Leader Sharaa Says Elections Could Take Up to Five Years

Syria’s transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa said presidential elections could take four to five years, citing the need to rebuild infrastructure and update electoral data. It is the first time he has outlined a timeline since taking office after Bashar al-Assad’s removal.

Syria’s transitional president Ahmed al-Sharaa said on Monday that it could take four to five years to organize presidential elections, emphasizing the need to rebuild the country’s electoral infrastructure before holding a vote.

Sharaa, who was declared transitional president on January 30, took power after Islamist rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad in early December. Speaking in an interview with Syria TV, he explained that authorities must consolidate population data before any elections take place.

"Without this matter, any elections held will be doubted," he said.

He added that Syria would follow international norms for transitional governments, but did not specify which guidelines influenced his proposed timeline.

As part of the political transition, Sharaa has been tasked with forming a temporary legislative council, following the suspension of the Syrian constitution. He has pledged to organize a national conference aimed at establishing an inclusive government.

A preparatory committee will be formed to conduct nationwide consultations, before inviting representatives of the Syrian people to participate in discussions.

"The conference will discuss all the important problems in Syria and produce a final statement that will form the basis of a constitutional declaration," Sharaa said.

In December, he had estimated that drafting a new constitution could take up to three years, further delaying the electoral process.

Syria’s transition remains uncertain, with Sharaa’s administration yet to outline the specifics of a governing framework leading up to the elections.

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