Syria’s Interim President Signs New Constitutional Declaration Marking Transitional Phase

On Thursday, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration heralding a five-year transitional period aimed at ensuring rights and justice after the Assad regime was overthrown. The declaration faces scrutiny, particularly from Kurdish leadership, as it is seen as not fully embodying Syria’s diverse community. The UN has expressed cautious optimism about the potential for a credible political transition in Syria.

On Thursday, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the interim President of Syria, signed a significant constitutional declaration, marking the beginning of what he refers to as a “new history” for Syria. This declaration regulates a five-year transitional phase and guarantees essential civil rights, particularly emphasizing women’s rights and freedom of expression. It comes in the wake of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government, as demands for a more inclusive and rights-respecting Syria persist.

The declaration follows a recent escalation of violence along Syria’s Mediterranean coast, resulting in over 800 extrajudicial killings, predominantly among the Alawite community, to which the Assad family belongs. Al-Sharaa expressed his aspiration that this new constitutional framework would replace oppression with justice and suffering with mercy. He signed the document at the presidential palace, signifying a noteworthy shift toward governance.

The new governance structure has abolished the previous Assad-era constitution and dissolved the former parliament. This constitutional declaration delineates a five-year transitional period wherein a transitional justice commission will be established to address accountability, clarify past events, and ensure justice for victims of the previous regime’s actions.

Crucial elements of the declaration include ensuring women’s full participation in societal roles and guaranteeing their social, political, and economic rights. However, it retains the stipulation that the president must be a Muslim, emphasizing that Islamic jurisprudence is the primary source of law. The document also calls for a distinct separation of powers and confers the president the singular ability to declare a state of emergency.

Additionally, the newly formed assembly, one-third of whose members will be appointed by the president, is tasked with creating all legislative measures. A supreme electoral committee is also mandated to oversee legislative elections. Notably, the legislature is prohibited from impeaching the president, and the president cannot dismiss members of the assembly.

Executive powers remain concentrated in the presidency during this transitional phase. The declaration guarantees freedoms concerning opinion, expression, and a free press, while affirming judicial independence. A committee is designated to draft a new permanent constitution as the transition progresses.

While Al-Sharaa, who leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, hopes this constitutional declaration serves as a legal reference, it has attracted criticism, particularly from the Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria. They argue that the declaration fails to reflect the diverse nature of Syria and the aspirations of its various ethnic groups. Earlier diplomatic efforts included a deal aimed at integrating the Kurdish-led forces into Syrian state institutions; however, this declaration was met with significant skepticism from those factions.

The international community, represented by the UN through its envoy Geir Pedersen, expressed optimism that the declaration could provide a viable legal framework for a credible political transition in Syria, stressing the importance of its effective implementation. Concurrently, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the recent violence, advocating for accountability and a thorough investigation into the civilian killings. Al-Sharaa has pledged to bring those responsible for violence to justice amid ongoing challenges faced by the nation.

In conclusion, President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s signing of the constitutional declaration marks a pivotal moment in Syria’s political landscape following the fall of the Assad regime. This document outlines a transitional framework aimed at promoting rights, ensuring accountability, and fostering inclusivity. However, it has faced criticism for not adequately reflecting Syria’s diverse society. The international community remains hopeful for successful implementation and a comprehensive transition to democracy in Syria amid recent violent events.

Original Source: www.newarab.com