In a recent interview aired by Saudi state broadcaster Al Arabiya, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a prominent leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), stated that Syria could face a lengthy timeline of up to four years before new elections are held. This proclamation marks the first detailed estimate for potential elections since HTS’s offensive led to the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad.
Al-Sharaa mentioned that drafting a new constitution might take around three years, and emphasized that significant changes or improvements in public services could take at least a year after the regime's fall. Additionally, he pointed out the necessity of establishing a robust legal system and conducting a comprehensive population census to facilitate credible elections.
Having previously been recognized as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, Al-Sharaa is now at the forefront of governing the country’s new authorities that emerged after Assad's downfall earlier this month. Many questions loom regarding HTS's governance, as the group has shifted its stance from a jihadist background towards a more inclusive approach in recent years.
According to Al-Sharaa, the group, which has previously been linked to radical organizations like Islamic State and al-Qaeda, will be "dissolved" during an upcoming national dialogue conference. He did not provide further details but described this meeting as a pivotal moment to determine Syria's capacity to unify after over a decade of civil war.
Amidst the transitional period, Al-Sharaa defended the recent appointments made in his government, asserting that they were critical and aimed at inclusivity rather than exclusion. The diverse ethnic and religious composition of Syria, including groups like Kurds, Arabs, and Christians, necessitates a commitment to safeguarding minority rights, which HTS has promised to uphold.
In related developments, a UK-based war monitor reported nearly 300 arrests of Assad loyalists in a crackdown, including informants and fighters aligned with the former regime. The Syrian state news agency also confirmed these arrests, indicating a significant push against pro-Assad elements amid shifting governance.
