Politicians: New constitution threatens Syria’s unity, fuels divisions

 Following the Damascus authorities' announcement of the "Constitutional Declaration" on March 13, the political landscape in Syria appears to be at a decisive crossroads. Many politicians, intellectuals, and prominent Syrian figures have raised concerns about several of its provisions.

 The Co-Chair of the Democratic Union Party’s Office in the Tabqa Canton described the declaration as a "setback for democratic transformation," highlighting that it grants the head of state unchecked powers, including supreme command of the military, appointment of parliament members, and full control over the political process.

 Military and political figures have warned that "this unilateral approach will lead the country toward further fragmentation and instability," calling for "broader participation of all political factions in shaping the new social contract."

 Concerns Over Women’s Rights and Political Inclusion

 Raja Abdul Rahim, the member of the General Council of the party in the same Canton, underscored a fundamental issue in the declaration, stating: "Despite women playing a frontline role in the revolution and the push for change, the document contains no guarantees for their rights." She further warned that "excluding women from the transitional political process entrenches marginalization and undermines any opportunity to build a genuine democracy."

 Similarly, the political activist and Future Syria Party member, Abeer Suleiman, criticized the declaration and argued that it "perpetuates exclusionary policies, marginalizes key social components, lacks mechanisms to protect freedoms, and fails to incorporate a vision for transitional justice."

 A Call for Reform

 As Syria moves toward a period of recovery, feminist activist and Future Syria Party Council member, Mona Dalai, emphasized that "the new Syria needs a constitution that reflects its diversity and guarantees the rights of all its citizens."

She called for "a comprehensive review of the Constitutional Declaration, the inclusion of all societal components in its drafting, clear guarantees for fundamental freedoms, and mechanisms to protect women's rights."

 This debate emerges at a time of significant transformation in Syria, with observers warning that the exclusion of any political or social group from the process could jeopardize prospects for sustainable peace and risk reproducing the crises that have plagued the country for over a decade.

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ANHA