Syria’s new temporary constitution, signed by interim president Ahmed al-Shara, centralizes power in the presidency, retains Islamic law as its legal foundation, and promises individual freedoms, including press and women’s rights. However, skepticism exists regarding inclusivity due to al-Shara’s extremist group ties. The president also holds significant powers over the legislature during a five-year transitional period.
Syria has adopted a new temporary constitution, signed by interim president Ahmed al-Shara, which centralizes authority under the presidency while retaining Islamic law as the government’s legal foundation. This follows the dissolution of the previous constitution under Bashar al-Assad.
Al-Shara’s administration seeks to initiate a new chapter for Syria, which has suffered from prolonged dictatorship and civil conflict. He indicated that this period marks the beginning of a promising transition towards a more open governance structure.
The new constitution guarantees fundamental freedoms, including the rights to opinion, expression, information, publication, and press, representing a potential shift away from the oppressive surveillance of the Assad regime. It also emphasizes safeguarding women’s rights during a five-year transitional period leading to elections.
Despite the guarantees in the declaration, skepticism remains among various ethnic and religious groups regarding al-Shara’s commitment to inclusivity due to his background as the leader of an Islamist extremist rebel faction.
Additionally, the constitution endows the president with substantial executive powers, including the ability to declare a state of emergency. The president will also appoint one-third of the interim legislature, while the remaining members will be elected through commissions under presidential oversight.
Syria’s new temporary constitution signifies a pivotal moment as the country shifts from authoritarian rule towards potential democratization. While it promises significant civil liberties and a transition towards an electoral democracy, there are concerns regarding the concentration of power in the presidency and the commitment to inclusivity among diverse communities.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
