Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa has signed a temporary constitution establishing Islamist governance for a transition of five years. The new constitution aims to balance justice and freedom but faces skepticism from minority groups. A committee will draft a permanent constitution, and the transition timeline is projected to take up to five years for elections.
Syria’s interim president, Ahmad al-Sharaa, has signed a temporary constitution that establishes Islamist governance for a five-year transition period. This decision follows the removal of dictator Bashar al-Assad by rebel forces in December, marking a significant shift in the country’s political landscape.
In announcing the constitutional declaration, Sharaa expressed hope that it would signify the beginning of a new era for Syria, characterized by justice and compassion rather than oppression. The interim rulers, however, have faced challenges in asserting their authority, especially with the influence of the Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the region.
There are concerns among religious and ethnic minorities regarding the new Islamist leadership. Many citizens, although relieved by the end of Assad’s regime, remain hesitant to accept the new authorities’ control over their regions. Abdulhamid Al-Awak, a member of the constitutional drafting committee, noted that the temporary constitution retains provisions from the previous constitution, including stipulations for leadership based on Muslim identity and Islamic law as the primary source of jurisprudence.
Despite this, the interim constitution also emphasizes freedoms of expression and media, alongside maintaining the separation of powers that had been compromised under Assad’s rule. According to Awak, the constitution seeks to balance social security and individual freedoms amid political uncertainty.
A committee will be tasked with drafting a permanent constitution, although it remains uncertain whether the composition will adequately represent diverse political and ethnic groups within Syria. Sharaa’s recent agreement with Kurdish-led authorities promises a ceasefire and potential integration of armed forces with the central government, although retaliatory violence has claimed many lives.
Moving forward, the interim constitution intends to establish a timeline for Syria’s transition, with expectations for constitutional rewriting and elections spanning up to five years. Critics have questioned the inclusivity of the recent national dialogue conference, and the international community, especially the United States and Europe, remains cautious about lifting sanctions until assurances of an inclusive political system are provided.
The signing of Syria’s temporary constitution marks a pivotal moment in the country’s quest for governance under Islamist rule amidst a five-year transition. While it aims to foster a new political atmosphere, skepticism remains among minority groups. The call for inclusivity in the formulation of a permanent constitution is crucial, as is the international response to ensure stability. The road to a fully democratic Syria appears long and fraught with challenges.
Original Source: www.france24.com
