Syria’s President Signs Temporary Constitution for Five-Year Transition Period
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RDA Gulf Correspondent - . March 14, 2025
- . Update: March 14, 2025 7:45 pm
The interim President of Syria, Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a constitutional declaration putting in place a five year transitional period just after only three months following the time the Islamist-led rebel coalition removed Bashar al-Assad.
The temporary constitution is meant to put into operation a legal framework for governance during the transitional period and set out different powers assigned to the executive, legislative and judicial while stressing on judiciary independence, freedom of expression and women’s rights.
The document reaffirms Islam as the president’s religion and Islamic jurisprudence as “the main source of legislation,” a shift from the previous constitution’s phrasing of “a main source.” A seven-member committee was tasked with drafting the declaration with a long-term goal of drafting a permanent constitution and organizing free elections.
There are certain concerns despite the fact that UN Special Envoy Geir Pedersen has welcomed the move as a step toward legal stability. The Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria has rejected the declaration claiming it does not fairly represent the people of Syria and its diversity.
Additionally, fears of sectarian retaliation are in the air particularly as reports indicate that Sharaa’s supporters have engaged in revenge attacks on Assad’s Alawite community. Although Sharaa has pledged accountability for such incidents, skepticism looms large given his inherent connections with al-Qaeda’s former Syrian affiliate. The future direction of Syria’s transition remains unclear amid brewing security and political challenges.
