Damascus: Syria has reaffirmed the central role of Islamic law in its governance during a five-year transitional period, as outlined in a constitutional declaration issued on Thursday. The declaration, which also guarantees women’s rights and freedom of expression, was summarized on state television following its official signing.
The constitutional declaration is set to serve as the framework for the interim government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa, a Sunni Islamist who rose to power after leading a rapid military offensive that ousted Bashar al-Assad in December.
According to the declaration, Islamic jurisprudence will be “the main source” of legislation, marking a shift from the previous constitution, which defined it as “a main source” among others. “We have kept Islamic jurisprudence as the primary source of legislation among sources of legislation,” a member of the drafting committee stated while reading the summary. “This jurisprudence is a true treasure that should not be squandered.”
Sharaa, who has pledged to lead Syria inclusively, now faces a significant challenge in stabilizing the country amid ongoing sectarian violence in the coastal region, reportedly carried out by factions aligned with his government.
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Less than two weeks ago, Sharaa appointed the committee responsible for drafting the constitutional declaration. The document ensures women’s “right to education and participation in work, and guarantees them political rights.” Additionally, it provides for “freedom of opinion, expression, media, publication, and the press.”
During the signing ceremony, Sharaa expressed optimism about the future of Syria under the new legal framework. “We hope that this will be a good start for the Syrian people on the path of construction and development,” he said in a televised address.
Sharaa previously stated in February that a presidential election would take place within four to five years. Meanwhile, the country’s 2012 constitution was officially suspended in January.
