Fresh Syrian president announces elections will not happen for at least four years

(MENAFN) Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has stated that elections will not take place for the next four to five years, citing the need to rebuild the country’s infrastructure and create a functional Political system. Al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammad al-Joulani, assumed power in December 2024 after jihadist groups, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), overthrew Bashar Assad’s government. Assad fled to Russia, where he and his family were granted asylum, and the new leadership suspended the constitution, initiating a transitional period under HTS control.

In an interview with Syria TV, Al-Sharaa explained that elections are not feasible in the near term due to the substantial infrastructure and structural rebuilding required. He emphasized that the country would adhere to international norms before elections occur. The transitional government plans to draft a new constitution, restructure state institutions, and hold a national conference to address governance issues. HTS has also indicated that armed factions will eventually be integrated into state security forces, although no specific timeline for these changes has been provided.

Although Western media has largely framed Al-Sharaa as a "moderate" Islamist leader in contrast to Assad's secular rule, concerns remain about his jihadist past, particularly given HTS’s links to Al-Qaeda. The U.S. has been exploring ways to remove HTS from its terrorist list, though it has yet to officially recognize Al-Sharaa’s government. The situation has drawn varied responses from global powers. Russia and Iran initially condemned the takeover, but Russia has since maintained communication with the new leadership, signaling continued cooperation between the two nations. Meanwhile, Türkiye and some Gulf states have expressed tentative openness to engaging with the new authorities.

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