Syria Leader Signs Transitional Constitution for Five-Year Shift
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has officially signed a constitutional declaration that will govern the country through a five-year transition period. This move comes three months after his Islamist-led faction spearheaded the rebel offensive that overthrew Bashar al-Assad’s government. The new legal framework aims to shape the future of Syria, defining governance principles and setting the stage for future reforms.
The document maintains Islam as the official religion of the president and stipulates that Islamic jurisprudence will be “the main source of legislation” instead of “a main source,” reinforcing its role in shaping laws. It also outlines judicial independence, separation of powers, and guarantees for women’s rights, freedom of speech, and media independence.
During the signing ceremony, Sharaa expressed hope for a new era in Syria, stating that this transition seeks to replace years of oppression with justice. However, opposition voices, including the Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria, have criticized the document, arguing that it fails to recognize Syria’s diverse ethnic and religious makeup.
Syria Moves Towards Legal Transition
In January, Syria’s new leadership appointed Sharaa as interim president abolished the Assad-era 2012 constitution, and disbanded key state institutions, including the army and security forces. This restructuring marked the beginning of an overhaul aimed at dismantling the remnants of the former regime.
To provide a legal framework for this transition, a seven-member drafting committee was formed just 10 days ago. The constitutional expert Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a member of the committee and a professor at a Turkish university, emphasized that the document aims to balance security with fundamental rights and freedoms.
Sharma, in his address, reaffirmed his commitment to establishing an inclusive government that will guide Syria until a permanent constitution is finalized and free elections are held. However, he acknowledged the difficulties ahead, particularly in ensuring stability after over a decade of war.
Syria Faces Internal Resistance to Reforms
Despite the intended progress, divisions remain within Syria. The Kurdish administration in the northeast strongly opposed the constitutional declaration, asserting that it contradicts Syria’s demographic and political realities. Kurdish leaders argue that the new framework centralizes power within Sunni Islamist leadership, marginalizing other groups.
Additionally, Sharaa’s government has faced accusations of retaliatory attacks against Syria’s Alawite minority. Reports indicate that gunmen aligned with his leadership carried out revenge killings in coastal regions following an ambush on security forces by Assad loyalists. A monitoring organization has reported nearly 1,500 civilian deaths in the violence.
In response, Sharaa has vowed to hold those responsible accountable and established a committee to address sectarian tensions. However, skepticism persists, especially among religious minorities who recall his past leadership of al-Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate.
Syria’s Transitional System and Political Framework
Under the transitional constitution, the president will hold executive authority but will be limited to only one exceptional power—the ability to declare a state of emergency. The People’s Assembly, a newly formed legislative body, will have full control over passing laws, with its members selected through a combination of presidential appointment and committee nomination.
A separate committee will be tasked with drafting a permanent constitution, laying the foundation for Syria’s future governance. The transitional constitution emphasizes the absolute separation of powers, a stark contrast to Assad’s rule, where executive control extended into the judiciary and legislature.
The UN Special Envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, welcomed this constitutional step, acknowledging it as a potential move towards restoring legal order. However, he also noted that challenges remain in ensuring full implementation and inclusivity.
Syria’s Future Amidst Uncertainty
While the signing of the transitional constitution marks a significant moment, the road ahead for Syria remains fraught with uncertainty. The country continues to struggle with deep-rooted divisions, unresolved sectarian tensions, and the economic devastation caused by the prolonged civil war.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that Syria’s stability hinges on genuine efforts to uphold justice and human rights. He emphasized that while caretaker authorities have pledged to build a more inclusive Syria, their actions will ultimately determine the country’s future.
For now, Syria stands at a crossroads, with its new leadership seeking to assert control while navigating internal resistance and international scrutiny. Whether this transitional framework will pave the way for a more stable and democratic Syria remains to be seen.
