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Syria’s acting leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, recently hinted that the nation might not see its first elections until up to four years post-Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapse. This marks his inaugural discussion about the key phases of Syria’s political transformation. Sharaa stressed that “a comprehensive population census is essential for any legitimate elections to occur.”
In a conversation with Saudi Arabian media outlets al-Arabiya and al-Hadath on Sunday, Sharaa—formerly known as Abu Mohammad al-Jolani—mentioned that drafting a fresh constitution could be a three-year endeavor. Such an extended timeline could unsettle Western nations, which have been pushing Sharaa for a more inclusive government. The West is contemplating lifting sanctions on Syria and potentially adjusting the status of Sharaa and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the Islamist faction which spearheaded the rapid rebellion to oust Assad, from terrorist designations.
Just recently, HTS promoted Mohamed al-Bashir to Syria’s interim prime minister. Bashir, previously the head of Idlib’s civilian administration—a region northwest of Syria long held by HTS—revealed that his cabinet will primarily consist of HTS figures familiar with previous Idlib governance roles, serving as a provisional government until March of next year.
Addressing HTS’s pivotal role in the transitional administration, Sharaa commented to the broadcasters that the current appointment strategy was “necessary for the interim phase,” arguing that implementing a “quota system at this time would have jeopardized the transition.”
Hadi al-Bahra, leader of the Syrian National Coalition—a coalition representing key opposition factions against Assad—has been advocating for an inclusive transitional government that accounts for all opposition parties. He proposed an 18-month schedule for the political transition, highlighting a six-month period dedicated to drafting a new constitution.
Sharaa also confirmed plans to disband HTS and other armed groups as part of integration into new state institutions, though it’s uncertain if Syria’s diverse groups will align with his proposal.
The resolution to dissolve HTS is slated to be unveiled during a National Dialogue Conference engaging key opposition leaders, various ethnic and religious representatives, and certain Assad-era officials untainted by military or security roles. While the date for the conference remains unannounced, it is expected to dissolve the previous parliament, nullify the old constitution, and establish an advisory council, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Meanwhile, the Kurdish-led, US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces—a crucial group not yet swayed by Sharaa’s influence—maintain control in Syria’s north-east. On Sunday, Sharaa noted ongoing discussions between the HTS-led administration and the SDF regarding the future governance of this region.
