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Wednesday, Aug 19, 2026
Outside the box.
Syria's Transitional President Ahmed al-Sharaa Reveals Schedule for Presidential Elections
Sharaa anticipates that it will take four to five years to develop the required infrastructure and refresh electoral data prior to conducting elections.
Syria's interim president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, has revealed that presidential elections are projected to take place in approximately four to five years.
This marks the first occasion he has provided a timeline since he took office on January 30, 2025.
Sharaa, who spearheaded the campaign that led to the removal of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, underscored the necessity of rebuilding infrastructure and updating electoral data to ensure legitimate elections.
He remarked, "I estimate that the timeframe will be around four to five years before we reach elections, as there is a significant need for extensive infrastructure to be reconstructed, which will require time."
Additionally, he stressed the importance of consolidating population data to refresh electoral records, pointing out that without precise information, any elections conducted would be met with skepticism.
Along with presenting the election timeline, Sharaa has been given the authority to establish a temporary legislative council during the transitional phase, with the Syrian constitution currently suspended.
He has committed to initiating a political transition, which includes organizing a national conference aimed at forming a comprehensive government.
Sharaa noted that a preparatory committee would be established to conduct consultations throughout Syria, which would then convene representatives viewed as true representatives of the Syrian populace.
The conference is anticipated to address all key issues facing the nation and produce a concluding statement intended to serve as the foundation for a "constitutional declaration."
Previously, Sharaa indicated that the process of drafting a new constitution might take as long as three years.
These developments occur as Syria undergoes a political transition following the end of Assad's regime.
The international community is keeping a close watch on the situation, stressing the necessity for an inclusive government and adherence to international standards throughout the transitional period.
This marks the first occasion he has provided a timeline since he took office on January 30, 2025.
Sharaa, who spearheaded the campaign that led to the removal of President Bashar al-Assad in December 2024, underscored the necessity of rebuilding infrastructure and updating electoral data to ensure legitimate elections.
He remarked, "I estimate that the timeframe will be around four to five years before we reach elections, as there is a significant need for extensive infrastructure to be reconstructed, which will require time."
Additionally, he stressed the importance of consolidating population data to refresh electoral records, pointing out that without precise information, any elections conducted would be met with skepticism.
Along with presenting the election timeline, Sharaa has been given the authority to establish a temporary legislative council during the transitional phase, with the Syrian constitution currently suspended.
He has committed to initiating a political transition, which includes organizing a national conference aimed at forming a comprehensive government.
Sharaa noted that a preparatory committee would be established to conduct consultations throughout Syria, which would then convene representatives viewed as true representatives of the Syrian populace.
The conference is anticipated to address all key issues facing the nation and produce a concluding statement intended to serve as the foundation for a "constitutional declaration."
Previously, Sharaa indicated that the process of drafting a new constitution might take as long as three years.
These developments occur as Syria undergoes a political transition following the end of Assad's regime.
The international community is keeping a close watch on the situation, stressing the necessity for an inclusive government and adherence to international standards throughout the transitional period.
