kl:16,09 19|06|2012 Sawtalkurd
The Strategic Research & Communication Centre has
released on 6 June 2012 a policy research paper entitled Electoral System in
Future Syria. This comes as part of the centre's Transitional Period Policy
Programme in Syria. Below is an executive summary of the research paper as well
as the three related policy analysis articles for further
reading.The future transitional Syrian government in collaboration with activist networks and civil society groups will need to formulate an electoral system that best represents the richness and diversity of all within Syrian society, and do so in an inclusive manner that does not instigate nor ignore the sectarian and ethnic diversity of the country. The emerging system must therefore be a comprehensive one working simultaneously on political, legal, economic and social dimensions for a new electoral system that would create a new culture on the path toward democratisation. Some of the policy recommendations of this policy paper include; (1) Convene an independent National Convention to draft a temporary election law and form a Central Elections Commission to setup and administer national elections within 12 to 18 months. (2) The system of government should be presidential system. (3) The Prime Minister (PM) is the head of government in charge of forming and dissolving the cabinet, with a two-third majority approval of Parliament. The PM is nominated by the president but confirmed by Parliament.
Additional Policy Analysis Released by SRCC:
The Relevance of a Presidential Electoral System in Syria
Based on the political culture of Syria, a Presidential system of government is the best for the future. However, a customized Presidential system, one that limits not only the powers of the President, but also the leading party in Parliament should be implemented. The constitution to be drafted should take into account ways to ensure the separation of power between the legislative and the executive. This would provide a culture of checks and balances that is the basis of any democratic country.
A New Quota System for Syria
The denial policy of the past has created a great deal of tension between different groups and failed to create coherence in society. The new quota system is instrumental in acknowledging diversity instead of ignoring it. This will not necessarily lead to a confessional system like that found in Lebanon, which makes ethnic and religious identity even more politically salient by highlighting the societal tensions. That is because having ethnic and religious quotas is not the same as having a confessional system.
Syria’s Electoral Reforms: Myths and Facts
In light of current constitutional loopholes, the Syrian people need to reject the newly ammended constitution altogether and any elections that are based upon it. First, because it comes from the point of lost political and moral legitimacy. Secondly it comes under continuous violence against the Syrian people, and thirdly because it does not fit Syria's future. What fits Syria now is a democratic constitution that would put an end to tyranny, injustice, and corruption.