Overview of Syria’s New Temporary Constitution

Syria’s new temporary constitution, signed by interim president Ahmed al-Shara, concentrates power in his hands, retains Islamic law as the legal basis, and guarantees individual freedoms. It promises rights protections during a transitional five-year period leading to a permanent constitution and elections. However, skepticism persists regarding al-Shara’s commitment to inclusivity due to his extremist background.

Syria has adopted a new temporary constitution, centralizing significant authority in the hands of interim president Ahmed al-Shara, who signed the declaration on Thursday. This constitution retains Islamic law as the legal foundation while promising individual freedoms, contrasting sharply with the previous regime led by Bashar al-Assad, which was characterized by autocratic governance.

The declaration asserts rights such as freedom of opinion, expression, information, publication, and press. If successfully implemented, these liberties would signify a substantial shift from the oppressive surveillance state under Assad. Additionally, it aims to protect women’s rights and those of all citizens during an interim five-year transitional period, after which a permanent constitution and elections will be introduced.

Despite these promises, skepticism exists among Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious groups. Concerns are raised regarding al-Shara’s background as the leader of an Islamist extremist rebel group, which may hinder trust in his commitment to inclusivity.

Significantly, the constitution endows the president with extensive executive powers, including the ability to declare a state of emergency. Furthermore, al-Shara will appoint one-third of the interim legislature, while the remaining two-thirds will be selected through electoral commissions supervised by a committee chosen by the president.

In summary, Syria’s new temporary constitution represents a pivotal moment in the nation’s transition from dictatorship to a potentially more democratic framework. While it seeks to establish individual freedoms and legal protections during a transitional period, the concentration of power in the hands of the interim president and concerns over inclusivity among diverse groups raise important questions about the future of governance in Syria.

Original Source: www.nytimes.com