Recently, Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration outlining a five-year transitional period. This move comes three months after his Islamist group successfully led the rebel offensive that toppled Bashar al-Assad. The new declaration affirms Islam as the president’s religion, a continuation from the previous constitution, while emphasizing that Islamic jurisprudence is now deemed “the main source of legislation”, instead of “a main source” as stated by the drafting committee.
Key provisions of the declaration include the establishment of separation of powers, judicial independence, and the protection of women’s rights, freedom of expression, and media freedom. President Sharaa expressed hope that this new chapter in Syria’s history would replace oppression with justice.
UN special envoy Geir Pedersen applauded the steps towards restoring the rule of law, acknowledging that this development could help fill an important legal gap. However, the Kurdish-led administration in north-eastern Syria criticized the constitutional declaration, claiming it does not reflect the country’s diverse reality.
In January, rebel military commanders appointed Sharaa as president for the transitional period, abolished the Assad-era 2012 constitution, and disbanded the former regime’s parliament, army, and security forces. Recently, Sharaa formed a seven-member committee to draft the constitutional declaration, which will serve as the legal framework for the transitional phase.
The declaration aims to strike a balance between a secure society and individual rights and freedoms, with a strong emphasis on absolute separation of powers to prevent any one branch of government from encroaching on others. The president will hold executive authority during the transition, with the exception of declaring a state of emergency.
A new People’s Assembly will be responsible for legislation, with two-thirds of its members appointed by a committee chosen by the president, and one-third directly selected by the president. Additionally, a committee will be tasked with drafting a new permanent constitution.
President Sharaa has committed to leading an inclusive government until the new constitution is finalized and free and fair elections are conducted. Despite facing challenges stemming from the previous civil war, Sharaa has vowed to hold those responsible for violence and pursue civil peace.
However, there are concerns among Alawites and other minorities regarding Sharaa’s past ties to al-Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized that civilian killings are unacceptable and warned that Syria’s promising future hinges on the current political developments.
The interim governing body has made firm pledges to establish a fresh foundation for Syria that is all-encompassing and trustworthy, catering to the needs of every Syrian citizen. These commitments have been reiterated time and again. “The time for talk is over; now, concrete steps must be taken,” emphasized the official.
