Syria’s new constitution centralizes power in interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa and lacks adequate protections for minorities. The document initiates a five-year transition post-Assad’s regime but raises concerns over authoritarianism. Critics emphasize the absence of democratic guarantees and the prioritization of Islamic law, worrying about the implications for minority rights.
Syria’s new temporary constitution concentrates power in interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s hands and inadequately protects minority rights, as highlighted by experts. Signed into law recently, it launches a five-year transitional period following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Critics argue that the constitution permits unchecked presidential authority, establishing a regime devoid of a prime minister role.
The interim president possesses the sole authority to appoint a third of the future assembly members and the electoral college committee tasked with selecting parliamentarians. Despite stating that the judiciary is independent, the constitution allows the president to appoint members to the Supreme Constitutional Court, raising concerns about the separation of powers. Legal expert Sam Dallah emphasizes that this concentration of authority risks monopolizing decision-making.
Changes in the new constitution include the designation of Islamic jurisprudence as the principal legislative source. Furthermore, it does not guarantee protections for the country’s minorities, following recent violent incidents against them, notably the massacre of Alawite civilians. The lack of safeguards has intensified fears among minority groups, particularly Kurds, who staged protests against the declaration’s lack of inclusivity.
Protests in northeastern Syria reflect widespread dissatisfaction among Kurds, who demand decentralized governance that recognizes all ethnicities and roles in power. Tigrane Yegavian, an academic, warns of the potential shift of the Syrian Arab Republic towards an Islamic Republic. In contrast, legal expert Tarek al-Kurdi acknowledges the challenges inherent in the current political climate, recognizing the stronghold of dictatorship historically in Syria.
The newly enacted temporary constitution consolidates power in the hands of interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa while neglecting essential protections for Syria’s minority groups. This development poses significant risks for the governance structure, potentially leading to authoritarianism. Calls for inclusive representation and decentralization reflect deep-seated concerns among minorities regarding their rights and existence in a changing Syria. Critically, understanding the implications of this political shift is essential for future governance in the region.
Original Source: www.france24.com
