In brief
Ahmed al-Shara, who has assumed a leading role following the regime's fall, emphasizes the need for careful preparation and constitutional drafting before elections can be held.
Ahmed al-Shara, emerging as Syria’s new de facto leader, recently indicated that it could take up to four years to organize elections following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad. In an interview with the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya news channel, al-Shara highlighted the extensive preparations needed to transition to a democratic system after years of dictatorship.The former rebel leader stated that drafting a new constitution would be the first critical step in this process, potentially taking two to three years. “It should not be fast food,” al-Shara remarked, emphasizing the importance of careful consideration in creating a governing framework. He acknowledged that a valid electoral process would necessitate a comprehensive population census, further extending the timeline for elections.Since the successful rebellion against Assad on December 8, al-Shara has been actively establishing a governance system in Damascus. His interim government has appointed a caretaker prime minister to facilitate said transition until March 2025, alongside promises of a legal committee to work on the new constitution.In a strategic shift from his previous military persona, al-Shara has adopted business attire and moved away from using his nom de guerre, aiming to establish himself as a statesman rather than a former rebel. This change, however, has prompted skepticism among officials and analysts, raising questions about whether his moderate political stance is intended to win favor with external powers and remove his group from the U.S. terror list.The Biden administration has shown cautious interest in the developments within the new Syrian leadership, monitoring included efforts to represent minority groups and prevent terrorist affiliations while ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need. In his discussion with Al Arabiya, al-Shara reaffirmed that rebuilding a state reflective of the aspirations of the Syrian populace is of paramount importance. He described this period as a “historical turning point” and underlined the urgency and significance of the current political moment.
