Syria has adopted a temporary constitution that centralizes power under interim president Ahmed al-Shara. It guarantees individual freedoms and women’s rights while maintaining Islamic law. Despite its progressive aspects, concerns about al-Shara’s past and commitment to inclusive governance remain among diverse ethnic groups in Syria.
Syria has established a new temporary constitution, signed by interim president Ahmed al-Shara, which centralizes power within the presidency and maintains Islamic law as the legal foundation. This development follows the dissolution of the previous constitution under former authoritarian leader Bashar al-Assad. Al-Shara, credited with leading the effort to remove Assad, emphasizes this new constitution as a step towards “a new history” for Syria after enduring years of dictatorship and civil conflict.
The new constitutional declaration assures individual freedoms, including “freedom of opinion, expression, information, publication and press.” If respected, these guarantees signify a significant shift from the oppressive surveillance state previously imposed by al-Assad. Furthermore, it underscores a commitment to uphold women’s rights and protect the rights of all Syrians during a transitional period of five years, culminating in a permanent constitution and democratic elections.
Despite these promising provisions, many individuals from Syria’s varied ethnic and religious communities express skepticism regarding al-Shara’s ability to deliver on inclusive governance. Concerns stem from his background as the former leader of an Islamist extremist rebel faction, raising doubts about his commitment to a truly representative government.
The constitution empowers the president with extensive authority, enabling him to declare a state of emergency at his discretion. Additionally, the president is tasked with appointing one-third of the interim legislature, while the remaining two-thirds will be selected through electoral commissions supervised by a committee designated by the president himself.
In conclusion, Syria’s new temporary constitution, while heralded as a significant advancement in governance and individual freedoms, consolidates considerable power in the hands of interim president Ahmed al-Shara and retains Islamic law as a core legal principle. The document promises rights and freedoms not previously extended under the Assad regime, but skepticism regarding al-Shara’s commitment to inclusivity persists, reflecting the complexities of Syria’s diverse society during this transitional phase.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
