Syrian leader declares no elections for a minimum of four years
Ahmed al-Sharaa has expressed that Syria requires time to develop a political system prior to the holding of elections. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Syria's transitional president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has indicated that elections will be postponed for up to five years as the nation focuses on rebuilding its infrastructure and establishing a functioning political framework.
Al-Sharaa, also referred to as Abu Mohammad al-Joulani, assumed power in December 2024 following the overthrow of Bashar Assad’s government by jihadist factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Assad, who had held power since 2000, fled to Russia, where he and his family received asylum. The newly installed authorities suspended the constitution and initiated a transition period under the leadership of HTS.
In an interview with Syria TV on Monday, Al-Sharaa discussed the election timeline, noting that immediate elections would be unfeasible due to significant structural and logistical challenges.
“I estimate that the period will be between four to five years until elections because there is a need for a vast infrastructure, and this infrastructure needs to be re-established and establishing it needs time,” he told Syria TV, as quoted by Reuters. He added that the transitional government would comply with international standards prior to conducting elections.
The new administration has previously outlined plans to draft a new constitution and reform state institutions. Al-Sharaa has mentioned that a national conference will convene to tackle governance issues and set up a legislative council to oversee the necessary reforms. Additionally, HTS leaders have indicated that armed factions will be integrated into state security forces, although no specific timeline for these initiatives has been provided.
The Western media has largely depicted Al-Sharaa as a “moderate” Islamist leader, contrasting his governance with Assad’s secular approach. However, concerns persist regarding his past as a jihadist commander and the implications for Syria's future leadership. HTS, which originated from Al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate, continues to be subject to international sanctions.
The United States has been exploring ways to remove HTS from its terrorist designation list, with discussions about this move as part of broader efforts to engage with Syria's new leadership. Although Washington has not formally recognized Al-Sharaa’s government, it has expressed a willingness to engage with HTS officials regarding Syria's political transition.
The collapse of Assad’s regime elicited varied reactions. Russia and Iran, traditional allies of Assad, initially condemned the takeover as an armed coup executed by extremist groups. In contrast, Türkiye and several Gulf states have shown a willingness to cautiously engage with the new authorities.
Nonetheless, Moscow has continued to communicate with Syria’s new leadership. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that Russia “cannot avoid contacting those who control the situation on the ground.” A Russian delegation recently held discussions with the new authorities in Damascus, expressing a desire to maintain the historically stable relationship between the two nations.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
Al-Sharaa, also referred to as Abu Mohammad al-Joulani, assumed power in December 2024 following the overthrow of Bashar Assad’s government by jihadist factions led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Assad, who had held power since 2000, fled to Russia, where he and his family received asylum. The newly installed authorities suspended the constitution and initiated a transition period under the leadership of HTS.
In an interview with Syria TV on Monday, Al-Sharaa discussed the election timeline, noting that immediate elections would be unfeasible due to significant structural and logistical challenges.
“I estimate that the period will be between four to five years until elections because there is a need for a vast infrastructure, and this infrastructure needs to be re-established and establishing it needs time,” he told Syria TV, as quoted by Reuters. He added that the transitional government would comply with international standards prior to conducting elections.
The new administration has previously outlined plans to draft a new constitution and reform state institutions. Al-Sharaa has mentioned that a national conference will convene to tackle governance issues and set up a legislative council to oversee the necessary reforms. Additionally, HTS leaders have indicated that armed factions will be integrated into state security forces, although no specific timeline for these initiatives has been provided.
The Western media has largely depicted Al-Sharaa as a “moderate” Islamist leader, contrasting his governance with Assad’s secular approach. However, concerns persist regarding his past as a jihadist commander and the implications for Syria's future leadership. HTS, which originated from Al-Qaeda's Syrian affiliate, continues to be subject to international sanctions.
The United States has been exploring ways to remove HTS from its terrorist designation list, with discussions about this move as part of broader efforts to engage with Syria's new leadership. Although Washington has not formally recognized Al-Sharaa’s government, it has expressed a willingness to engage with HTS officials regarding Syria's political transition.
The collapse of Assad’s regime elicited varied reactions. Russia and Iran, traditional allies of Assad, initially condemned the takeover as an armed coup executed by extremist groups. In contrast, Türkiye and several Gulf states have shown a willingness to cautiously engage with the new authorities.
Nonetheless, Moscow has continued to communicate with Syria’s new leadership. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remarked that Russia “cannot avoid contacting those who control the situation on the ground.” A Russian delegation recently held discussions with the new authorities in Damascus, expressing a desire to maintain the historically stable relationship between the two nations.
Olivia Brown for TROIB News
