Syria’s interim President has established a committee to draft a constitutional declaration following the removal of Bashar al-Assad. This committee comprises experts focusing on regulating the transitional phase and aims to fulfill the aspirations of the Syrian people for lawful governance. The committee’s proposals are expected to inform Syria’s constitutional framework as the country moves forward after years of conflict.
Syria’s interim President, Ahmed al-Sharaa, announced on Sunday the establishment of a committee aimed at drafting a constitutional declaration that will guide the country’s transition following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. This development follows the end of over fifty years of the Assad family’s authoritarian reign and thirteen years of prolonged conflict in the region.
The newly formed committee will consist of experts, including one woman, responsible for drafting regulations that govern Syria’s transitional phase. The seven-member committee is expected to present its proposals to President Sharaa, although a specific timeline for completion has not been provided. Sharaa, who leads the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, was appointed interim president in late January for an indefinite term.
Syria’s new leadership has repealed the constitution established during the Assad administration, with Sharaa indicating that the process of rewriting it could span up to three years. He has expressed intentions to provide a “constitutional declaration” that will serve as a legal reference point throughout the transitional period.
The announcement is anchored in the aspirations of the Syrian populace to establish a state founded on the rule of law, building upon the outcomes from the recent national dialogue conference, which sought to delineate the country’s future trajectory. Specifically, this gathering advocated for the creation of a constitutional framework to regulate the transitional phase.
Among committee members is Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a constitutional law expert, and Bahia Mardini, the only female member, who has a background in journalism and law. Other members include law faculty deans from reputable universities and a recent law graduate specializing in international law.
The national dialogue conference underscored the necessity for a constitutional committee to draft a permanent constitution that promotes justice, freedom, equality, and the establishment of a lawful and institutional state. The protracted Syrian conflict, which arose in 2011 from a crackdown on protests, has led to over 500,000 fatalities and significant economic deterioration.
In December, a caretaker government was appointed to manage the country until a new government is formed by March 1, heralding a critical period for Syria’s governance and constitutional development.
In summary, the formation of the committee to draft a transitional constitutional declaration marks a significant step in Syria’s political evolution following the removal of Bashar al-Assad. This effort reflects the aspirations of the Syrian people for a lawful state, amidst a backdrop of a devastating civil conflict. With a diverse committee of experts and a focus on establishing foundational legal norms, the committee’s work may shape Syria’s future governance.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
