Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed a constitutional declaration initiating a five-year transition, emphasizing rights for women and freedom of expression. This follows the toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime and a wave of violence resulting in over 800 deaths. The declaration aims to establish a just and inclusive governance structure while facing criticism from the Kurdish-led administration concerning its representativeness and inclusivity.
On Thursday, Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa announced a significant constitutional declaration, marking the initiation of a five-year transitional phase and establishing rights for women and freedom of expression. This momentous step follows the recent ousting of Bashar al-Assad’s regime by Islamist-led forces, fueling aspirations for an inclusive and rights-respecting Syria. The declaration comes in the wake of a violent backlash on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, leading to over 800 extrajudicial killings.
The constitutional declaration aims to herald a new era for Syria, as President Sharaa expressed his vision for replacing oppression with justice and suffering with mercy during the signing ceremony at the presidential palace. Notably, the newly established authorities have invalidated the previous constitution and dissolved parliament, highlighting a commitment to transformative governance.
This proclamation introduces a transitional framework alongside a commission tasked with ensuring accountability and justice for victims of past atrocities. It promotes women’s participation in various sectors and enforces crucial legislation governing human rights, albeit with the continuing requirement for the presidency to be held by a Muslim, emphasizing Islamic jurisprudence as a guiding principle.
Furthermore, the declaration guarantees the separation of powers, establishing checks against executive overreach, while allowing the president to declare a state of emergency as the sole extraordinary power. Legislative authority remains vested in a people’s assembly, with a third of its members appointed by the president, tasked with drafting laws and overseeing the electoral process.
A critical aspect of this declaration is the assurance of freedom of opinion and expression, championing the independence of the judiciary. However, the Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria expressed discontent, claiming the declaration fails to represent the diverse demographics of Syria and undermines democratic aspirations.
On an international note, UN representatives, including special envoy Geir Pedersen, expressed cautious optimism regarding the declaration’s potential as a foundation for an inclusive political transition while stressing the importance of proper implementation. Following the recent violent unrest primarily targeting Alawites, President Sharaa committed to pursuing justice for the victims and has announced arrests related to these incidents.
In conclusion, the signing of the new constitutional declaration by Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa signifies a critical step towards establishing a transitional governance framework aimed at fostering inclusivity and protecting human rights. While it sets a foundation for accountability and justice, the ongoing tensions and criticisms, particularly from the Kurdish administration, highlight the need for significant efforts to ensure genuine representation and democratic principles. The international community remains hopeful for a successful transition amid the challenges faced in the aftermath of unprecedented violence.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
