Syria leader signs temporary constitution for five-year transition
Syria’s interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a constitutional declaration covering a five-year transitional period, three months after his Islamist group led the rebel offensive that overthrew Bashar al-Assad.
The document retains Islam as the religion of the president and states that Islamic jurisprudence is “the main source of legislation,” rather than “a main source,” as per the drafting committee. It also enshrines the separation of powers, judicial independence, and guarantees women’s rights, freedom of expression, and media freedom.
“We hope it will be a new history for Syria, where we replace oppression with justice,” Sharaa said during the signing at the presidential palace in Damascus on March 13, 2025.
UN special envoy Geir Pedersen welcomed the “moves towards restoring the rule of law” and noted that “this development potentially fills an important legal vacuum.” However, the Kurdish-led administration in northeastern Syria criticized the declaration, stating that it “contradicts the reality of Syria and its diversity.”
In January, rebel military commanders appointed Sharaa as president for the transitional period, abolishing the Assad-era 2012 constitution and dissolving the former regime’s parliament, army, and security agencies. The seven-member committee responsible for drafting the new declaration was formed just 10 days before the signing.
Abdul Hamid al-Awak, a constitutional law expert and committee member, explained that the declaration aims to “create a balance between a security society and rights and freedoms,” emphasizing “absolute separation of powers” in contrast to Assad’s 24-year rule.
During the transitional period, the president will have executive authority but only one “exceptional power”—the ability to declare a state of emergency. A newly formed People’s Assembly will be responsible for legislation, with two-thirds of its members appointed by a committee selected by the president and the remaining third chosen by the president himself. A separate committee will draft a permanent constitution.
Sharaa has pledged an inclusive government until the new constitution is finalized and free elections are held. However, he faces significant challenges following years of civil war. Recent violence in the western coastal region saw almost 1,500 civilians killed, with gunmen linked to Sharaa’s government accused of revenge killings against members of Assad’s minority Alawite sect.
In response, Sharaa has vowed to hold perpetrators accountable and established a committee to preserve civil peace.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the recent violence, stating that “nothing could justify the killing of civilians” and warning that Syria’s “much-deserved brighter future hangs in the balance.”
“The caretaker authorities have repeatedly committed to building a new Syria based on inclusive and credible foundations for all Syrians. Now is the time for action,” he added.
Credit: BBC
