Syrian opposition proposes 18-month transition plan prior to elections

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
8 Dec 2024 17:06
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The head of Syria's main opposition abroad says they urged state employees to continue reporting to work during the transition period, assuring them of their safety and protection.

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The President of the National Coalition, Hadi al-Bahra, speaks to the media during a press conference in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 (AP)

Syria should undergo an 18-month transition period to create "a safe, neutral, and quiet environment" for free elections, Hadi al-Bahra, the head of Syria's main opposition abroad, told Reuters on the sidelines of the Doha Forum on Sunday.

In a monumental development for the Middle East, armed groups, now serving as the transitional government forces of Syria, seized control of Damascus on Sunday, forcing President Bashar al-Assad to flee after more than 13 years of war waged on the country.

Al-Bahra, the president of the Syrian National Coalition, proposed that Syria should draft a new constitution within six months, with a referendum serving as the foundation for the first election under the new framework.

"The constitution will say, are we going to have a parliamentary system, presidential system, or mixed system? And based on this, we do the election and the people choose their leader," al-Bahra explained.

He emphasized that the opposition had urged state employees to continue reporting to work during the transition period, assuring them of their safety and protection.

Earlier on Sunday, the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates announced the beginning of "a new chapter" in the country's history, signifying the launch of a national charter designed to foster unity among Syrians and overcome divisions.

The initiative, as per the Ministry, seeks to establish a cohesive nation founded on principles of justice and equality, ensuring that all citizens are granted their rights and fulfill their responsibilities.

"This vision emphasizes a diverse and inclusive society where citizenship forms the foundation, moving away from unilateral perspectives," it stressed.

In its statement, the Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to serving all Syrian citizens and addressing their needs. It underscored the responsibility entrusted to it as the representative of the Syrian people, stressing that "the homeland will always remain the highest priority."

Syrian opp. coalition works on power transfer to transitional gov.

The Syrian opposition coalition said earlier it was continuing work to complete the transfer of power in Syria to a "transitional governing body with full executive powers."

In a statement, it said, "The great Syrian revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the struggle to build a Syria together that befits the sacrifices of its people."

Additionally, the coalition called on Kurdish forces to disengage from any foreign organizations.

Shortly after, Reuters reported, citing Syrian opposition fighters, that attacks had begun on Kurdish forces in Manbij, northern Syria.

Moreover, Reuters quoted the Syrian opposition coalition as confirming its continued work "to complete the transfer of power to a transitional governing body with full executive powers."

The coalition stressed that "the revolution has moved from the stage of struggle to overthrow the Assad regime to the stage of struggle to build Syria together," according to Reuters.