Syria’s Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa Outlines Election Timeline

Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced elections to occur in four to five years, focusing on necessary infrastructure rebuilding. He emphasized the need to consolidate population data to ensure legitimate elections. Sharaa plans to implement international norms for a democratic transition and form a temporary legislative council for governance.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s transitional president, announced a timeline for the first presidential elections since his leadership began following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad. In an interview aired on Syria TV, he indicated that elections would occur in four to five years, emphasizing the need to rebuild essential infrastructure and update electoral data to ensure the legitimacy of any future elections.

As the head of the Islamist rebel group responsible for Assad’s ousting, Sharaa was confirmed as transitional president on January 30. He highlighted the necessity for proper data consolidation regarding Syria’s population, stating, “Without this matter, any elections held will be doubted.”

Sharaa referenced international norms applicable to transitional governments, suggesting they would eventually lead Syria to an elected presidency and authority. Upon his appointment, he was tasked with forming a temporary legislative council amid a suspended constitution, committing to a political transition through a national conference aimed at establishing an inclusive government.

To facilitate this process, Sharaa announced the formation of a preparatory committee responsible for conducting consultations throughout Syria. He articulated that the conference will tackle critical issues facing the nation, culminating in a statement that will serve as the foundation for a proposed constitutional declaration.

The announcement by Ahmed al-Sharaa marks a significant development in Syria’s political landscape following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. Sharaa’s leadership promises a structured approach to rebuilding the governance framework of Syria after years of civil conflict. His comments on the electoral process underscore the importance of infrastructure and population data, which are essential for restoring a valid electoral system in the country. Moreover, his reference to international norms suggests an intention to align Syria’s governance with globally recognized standards for democratic transitions.

In summary, Syria’s transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has set forth a tentative timeline of four to five years for the nation’s first presidential elections. This announcement highlights the importance of rebuilding critical infrastructure and updating population data to ensure the electoral process’s integrity. As he embarks on a path toward establishing an inclusive government, Sharaa’s actions will be pivotal in shaping Syria’s future political landscape.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com