Ahmed al-Shara, the recently proclaimed leader of Syria's rebel forces, hinted at a timeline for potential elections after the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. He stated that the electoral process could take up to four years to materialize, emphasizing the need for careful drafting of a new constitution and the importance of conducting a comprehensive population census. His administration is currently forming a transitional government, aiming to address the extensive damages caused by years of Assad's regime and rebuild a state that aligns with the aspirations of the Syrian populace. However, some remain skeptical of his approach and whether it reflects genuine governance reform or is merely a strategic move to gain international acceptance.
Syria's Rebel Leader Outlines Potential Election Timeline Post-Assad
Syria's Rebel Leader Outlines Potential Election Timeline Post-Assad
Ahmed al-Shara signals a shift in governance as Syria eyes a new political framework following decades of dictatorship.
Since the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad on December 8, Ahmed al-Shara, who led the successful rebel offensive, is now working to establish a new governance framework in Damascus. In a notable interview with Al Arabiya, al-Shara offered a potential timeline for the first elections in the post-Assad era, suggesting that the process could take up to four years. He noted that careful preparation is crucial, emphasizing that a new constitution needs to be drafted as part of the electoral process.
Al-Shara pointed out that this meticulous drafting process, which could take two to three years, is essential given the long history of dictatorship in Syria. He stated, “It should not be fast food,” underscoring the need for a well-considered approach.
While expressing the administration's priority to manage the reconstruction of the state following Assad's rule, he brought up the necessity of a “comprehensive population census,” a task that requires significant time. Since the formation of the transitional government led by a caretaker prime minister, details surrounding the electoral process remain vague.
In a bid to present himself more as a statesman, al-Shara has shifted from military attire to business suits and has abandoned his nom de guerre. His political stance appears more moderate, aiming to reassure the nation’s diverse minorities. However, this shift has led to speculation among analysts regarding whether it signifies a genuine transformation or an effort to gain favor with international allies and the U.S. government.
The Biden administration is monitoring the new leadership closely, focusing on the inclusion of minority groups in the governance framework and the absence of terrorist connections. Al-Shara reiterated his commitment to remedying the devastation wrought by years under Assad, claiming, “The opportunity that we have today does not come every five or 10 years. This is a historical turning point.”
Al-Shara pointed out that this meticulous drafting process, which could take two to three years, is essential given the long history of dictatorship in Syria. He stated, “It should not be fast food,” underscoring the need for a well-considered approach.
While expressing the administration's priority to manage the reconstruction of the state following Assad's rule, he brought up the necessity of a “comprehensive population census,” a task that requires significant time. Since the formation of the transitional government led by a caretaker prime minister, details surrounding the electoral process remain vague.
In a bid to present himself more as a statesman, al-Shara has shifted from military attire to business suits and has abandoned his nom de guerre. His political stance appears more moderate, aiming to reassure the nation’s diverse minorities. However, this shift has led to speculation among analysts regarding whether it signifies a genuine transformation or an effort to gain favor with international allies and the U.S. government.
The Biden administration is monitoring the new leadership closely, focusing on the inclusion of minority groups in the governance framework and the absence of terrorist connections. Al-Shara reiterated his commitment to remedying the devastation wrought by years under Assad, claiming, “The opportunity that we have today does not come every five or 10 years. This is a historical turning point.”
