Official announcement by the Syrian government or verified reports by international organizations

Syrian Leader Ahmed al-Sharaa Says Elections May Take Four Years, Announces HTS Dissolution

Dec 29, 2024, 10:09 AM

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's de facto leader, stated in an interview with Al Arabiya News that organizing elections in the country could take up to four years due to the need for a comprehensive population census. He also noted that drafting a new constitution may require up to three years as the leadership aims to establish a lasting framework through a complex process. Al-Sharaa emphasized that the liberation of Syria ensures the security of the region, the Gulf, and the country itself for the next 50 years. He mentioned that various political phases will precede the selection of the president and that they worked hard to ensure a smooth transfer of power. Al-Sharaa announced that they will declare the dissolution of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). He added that during the liberation process, they ensured there were no casualties or displacement. Al-Sharaa does not consider himself the liberator of Syria but acknowledged that everyone who made sacrifices contributed to the liberation.