Elections in Syria might take up to four years, according to the country’s de facto leader

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria’s de facto leader, said it may take up to four years for the war-torn nation to conduct elections.Since long-time leader Bashar al-Assad was overthrown three weeks ago by opposition fighters led by al-Sharaa’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the new Syrian leader has made remarks on a potential election schedule for the first time.

Al-Sharaa told Saudi Arabia’s state-run TV Al Arabiya on Sunday that it may take up to three years to draft a new constitution.He stated that since a new census is planned to determine the number of eligible voters in the nation, elections will probably take place after four years.

“A thorough population census will be necessary for any meaningful elections,” he stated.Al-Sharaa said that within a year or so, Syrians will probably see major changes in their nation. He announced the disbandment of HTS, Syria’s most powerful military and political force, during a national discussion forum.

As the new Damascus administration attempted to reassure its neighbours about peace and stability in a multiethnic nation, Al-Sharaa made these remarks.He assured Al Arabiya that Syria will not cause any unrest.Reiterating earlier conciliation signals his administration has given, al-Sharaa said Syria shared strategic interests with Russia, a close friend and military backer of al-Assad during the 13-year Syrian war.

He stated last month that Syria and Russia should have a mutually beneficial relationship.Negotiations with the new administration in Damascus would focus on the status of Russia’s military outposts in Syria, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.In an interview with the Russian news agency RIA published on Sunday, he stated, “It is a question not only of maintaining our bases or strongholds but also of the conditions of their operation, maintenance, provision, and interaction with the local side.”

Al-Sharaa also expressed his hope that the Trump administration will lift the sanctions against Syria.Washington has agreed to lift a $10 million bounty on the head of the HTS commander, according to senior US officials who visited Damascus this month and felt al-Sharaa came across as pragmatic.