Syria's New Leader Outlines Future Plans: Elections in 4 Years, Constitution in 3
Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new leader of Syria, outlined plans for political transition, indicating that elections may take up to four years and constitutional reforms three years. He called for lifting international sanctions, ensuring internal security, and integrating Kurdish forces. Al-Sharaa emphasized the importance of international relations for regional stability.

Ahmed al-Sharaa, Syria's de facto new leader, has provided insights into his vision for the country's future in a recent interview with Saudi broadcaster Al Arabiya. His statements come three weeks after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime, as the new administration seeks to reassure the international community.
Timeline for Elections and Constitutional Reform
Al-Sharaa, who leads the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) group that ousted Assad, outlined a lengthy process for Syria's political transition:
- Elections could take up to four years to organize
- Drafting a new constitution may require up to three years
- A comprehensive census must be conducted before any significant elections
"For any major elections to take place, a thorough population census must be carried out," al-Sharaa stated[1][2].
Calls for Lifting International Sanctions
The new Syrian leader emphasized the need to lift international sanctions imposed on Syria:
- Sanctions were originally placed on the "executioner" of the Syrian people (referring to Assad)
- Al-Sharaa argues that Syrians, as victims, should not be punished for the acts of the former regime
- He called for international assistance in prosecuting Assad regime criminals and recovering stolen funds[6]
Foreign Relations and Regional Stability
Al-Sharaa addressed Syria's relationships with key regional and global players:
- Expressed hope for continued strategic interests with Russia
- Emphasized the importance of maintaining relations with Iran while respecting mutual sovereignty
- Stated that Syria would not pose a threat to neighboring countries[4][5]
Internal Security and Armed Groups
The new administration plans to address internal security challenges:
- HTS will be dissolved during a national dialogue conference
- Negotiations are ongoing with Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) to integrate them into the national army
- Al-Sharaa stressed that "the state must have exclusive control over weapons"[7][8]
As Syria enters a new era, al-Sharaa's statements reflect an attempt to balance internal restructuring with international concerns. The coming years will be crucial in determining whether these plans can bring stability and legitimacy to the war-torn nation.