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Syria’s Interim Leadership Signs New Constitutional Declaration

Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has taken a significant step towards political transformation by signing a constitutional declaration designed to guide the country through a five-year transitional phase. This announcement comes just three months after his Islamist faction played a pivotal role in the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad.

The newly signed document reaffirms the position of Islam as the religion of the president and specifies that Islamic jurisprudence will be regarded as the primary source of legislation. This marks a shift from the previous constitution, which described it merely as a “main source.” Additionally, the declaration emphasizes the separation of powers and judicial independence, while also ensuring the protection of women’s rights and the freedoms of expression and the press.

Sharaa expressed optimism about these developments, stating, “We hope it will be a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice.” His comments signal a commitment to reform and the establishment of a legal framework intended to empower the populace.

UN special envoy Geir Pedersen welcomed the constitutional declaration, describing it as a potential remedy for an important legal void in Syria. He reiterated the necessity of restoring the rule of law in a nation that has faced civil strife for over a decade.

In contrast, the Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria has publicly criticized this constitutional declaration, asserting that it fails to reflect the country’s diverse demographic reality.

Earlier this year, military leaders from rebel factions designated Sharaa as president for this transitional phase, effectively nullifying the Assad-era constitution and dismantling prior government institutions, including parliamentary and defense structures.

Just days before the declaration was signed, Sharaa revealed the creation of a seven-member committee responsible for drafting this foundational document, which he describes as critical for managing the transitional period.

Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a constitutional law scholar and member of the drafting committee, explained at a press briefing that the goal of the new declaration is to establish a delicate balance between security and the protection of civil rights and liberties. He highlighted that the document mandates an “absolute separation of powers,” contrasting it with the previous governance style under Assad’s extensive control over multiple state functions throughout his 24-year reign.

During the transitional phase, the president will retain executive authority but will be limited to declaring a state of emergency as the only extraordinary power. Legislative responsibilities will lie with a newly formed People’s Assembly, where two-thirds of its members will be appointed via a presidentially selected committee, while the president will directly choose the remaining third. Furthermore, a committee is set to be established to draft a new, permanent constitution.

In light of ongoing violence in the coastal areas, the UN Secretary General has underscored the precarious state of Syria’s prospects, emphasizing that the nation’s long-awaited brighter future hangs in the balance. Despite Sharaa’s commitment to fostering an inclusive government until the new constitutional framework is enacted and elections are held, substantial challenges remain. The country is still recovering from the devastation inflicted by a civil war that began when Assad cracked down on pro-democracy protests 14 years ago.

Recently, Sharaa’s government has faced accusations of vengeance killings targeting the Alawite sect following an attack on a security detail by loyalists of the defunct regime, highlighting the ongoing tensions within the region. Monitoring groups have reported that nearly 1,500 civilians have been killed amid this violence.

In response, Sharaa has vowed to ensure accountability for violence and has initiated the formation of a committee aimed at maintaining civil order. Nevertheless, widespread skepticism persists among Alawites and other minority groups regarding his ability to achieve these aspirations, particularly given his history with al-Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate.

UN Secretary General António Guterres has condemned civilian killings, reiterating that such actions cannot be justified and declaring the urgency of realizing an inclusive future for Syria. “The caretaker authorities have repeatedly committed to building a new Syria based on inclusive and credible foundations for all Syrians. Now is the time for action,” he remarked, emphasizing the crucial moment that lies ahead for the Syrian people.

Source
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