Syria’s New Constitution Concentrates Power, Risks Minority Rights

Syria’s new temporary constitution centralizes authority in interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, omitting protections for minority rights. Experts express concern over the absence of checks and balances, potential dictatorship, and the prioritization of Islamic law. Protests from minority groups signal deep-seated fears regarding representation and rights in the evolving political landscape.

Syria’s new temporary constitution has raised concerns due to its concentration of power in the hands of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and inadequate protections for minority rights. This declaration, enacted on Thursday, initiates a five-year transitional period following the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, led by Islamist factions after 14 years of civil conflict.

Legal experts indicate that the constitution endows the interim president with significant authority, effectively establishing a presidential-type regime without a prime ministerial role. Political scientist Sam Dallah asserts that the framework permits Sharaa to appoint one-third of the future assembly members and creates a committee to select those who will elect the rest of the parliament.

Despite claiming an independent judiciary, the new constitution allows the president to appoint justices to the Supreme Constitutional Court. Dallah questions how true separation of powers can exist when the president wields such extensive control over various governmental facets, noting that this can lead to a monopolization of decision-making.

The document diverges from previous constitutions by eliminating references to democracy, instead naming Islamic jurisprudence as the principal source of legislation. This change, alongside the declaration that Arabic remains the sole official language and lack of minority guarantees, raises alarms about the implications for Syria’s diverse populations, particularly in light of recent violence against Alawites.

In response to the inadequate protections for minorities, hundreds of Kurds protested against the constitutional declaration, demanding a fair distribution of power and a decentralized democratic governance structure. Tigrane Yegavian of Schiller University noted that minority groups are increasingly apprehensive about the shift towards what may resemble an Islamic Republic, hoping for federalization to ensure their rights.

Though recognized as a product of Syria’s complex history of dictatorship and conflict, the declaration is viewed by some experts, like lawyer Tarek al-Kurdi, as a necessary step requiring pragmatic adaptation to facilitate peace and stability as Syria undergoes major political transformation.

The new temporary constitution of Syria has been criticized for concentrating power among the interim president and failing to safeguard minority rights. Legal experts assert that the lack of checks and balances undermines democratic principles, prompting protests from affected groups like the Kurds. The shift towards Islamic jurisprudence raises concerns about the future of the Syrian state and its commitment to diverse populations. Overall, the constitution presents a formidable challenge as Syria navigates its path toward stability after years of war.

Original Source: www.france24.com