Publication date: July 2018
The drafting of the Syrian constitution is one of the most pressing and important issues of the Syrian transition. As major powers attempt to exclude Syrian civil society from this vital discussion, this report aims to provide a civil society perspective by presenting and examining responses from 1958 respondents (924 men and 1034 women).
First, the report identifies the perspective of respondents on the most important priorities for negotiations should focus, the status of the constitution (permanent constitution/ constitutional declaration in the transitional period), and the path which should be followed in writing the constitution. The report then explores respondents’ preferred system of government, the controversial issue of the relationship of religion to the State and its identity, and the issue of decentralization and its presence in the constitution. Finally, general principles and precepts are outlined that should guide the work of the next constitution-drafting committee.
