Syrian Interim President Signs Constitutional Declaration, Aiming for Political Transition
Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a constitutional declaration initiating a five-year transitional period. This declaration outlines rights for women, freedom of expression, and the establishment of a transitional justice commission. Despite the declaration’s promise for a new and inclusive Syria, criticism has emerged regarding its representation of diverse communities amidst a backdrop of recent violence. The international community emphasizes the need for effective implementation to achieve a credible political transition.
On Thursday, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa marked a significant political event by signing a constitutional declaration that initiates a five-year transitional period. This declaration aims to establish a framework that includes civil rights for women and promotes freedom of expression, reflecting the demand for a more inclusive governance following the ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
The constitutional signing comes in the wake of escalating violence on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, where reports indicate over 800 extrajudicial killings, primarily targeting the Alawite minority. In light of these events, President Sharaa expressed hope that this change will replace oppression with justice and suffering with mercy.
The newly established constitutional framework abolishes the former Assad-era constitution and outlines the responsibilities of a transitional justice commission aimed at providing accountability and justice for victims of the previous regime. It secures rights for women to engage fully in social, political, and economic matters, while maintaining that the presidency must be held by a Muslim, anchoring Islamic jurisprudence as a principal source of legislation.
It establishes a clear separation of powers that had been diminished under Assad’s rule, bestowing exceptional emergency powers solely upon the president. Additionally, the People’s Assembly, with a third of its members appointed by the president, is tasked with drafting legislation under the supervision of a newly formed supreme electoral committee. The transitional period restricts executive authority solely to the president while ensuring freedoms of opinion and expression.
Despite the optimism surrounding the constitutional declaration, there has been notable criticism from the Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria, which argues that the document does not reflect the diversity of the Syrian populace and undermines democracy. Concerns were echoed by UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen, who emphasized the necessity of proper implementation to facilitate a credible political transition following recent violence.
Recent statements from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the killings of civilians and advocated for effective investigations into the violence, while pledging the UN’s support for a comprehensive political transition in Syria. Sharaa has committed to prosecuting those responsible for the recent atrocities and has initiated arrests.
In conclusion, the signing of the constitutional declaration by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa represents a pivotal development in Syria’s political landscape, heralding a five-year transitional period aimed at establishing a more inclusive governance structure. Despite promises of rights and just governance, criticism from various factions highlights the complexities of achieving true democracy amidst ongoing violence and unrest. The success of this transition will heavily depend on the effective implementation of the newly outlined framework to ensure accountability and foster national healing. The international community, particularly the United Nations, remains poised to assist in overseeing this transition and addressing the humanitarian crises that persist.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
