President of the Syrian Negotiations Commission, Badr Jamous, took part in the electoral reform conference in Syria organized by The Day After organization. The event saw the participation of 70 individuals both in person and via video links, including human rights and legal experts, as well as key figures involved in the Syrian file.
The conference also featured the presence of the authors of the report “Electoral Reform and the Democratic Transition Process in Syria,” released by the Day After Organization in September 2022.
During the conference, the attendees collectively formulated a series of recommendations aimed at achieving a fair electoral process that ensures the inclusion of all Syrians during the transitional phase as mandated by UN Resolution 2254 of 2015.
Key topics addressed during the conference included the legal framework governing Syrian elections, mechanisms to guarantee the accuracy and validity of representation through the electoral system and district division, the administration of elections in Syria with support from the United Nations to ensure their integrity, and strategies for enhancing the political involvement of women, political parties, and Syrians living abroad in the electoral process.
In his address, Jamous emphasized the Commission’s commitment to collaborating with the United Nations to advance all four baskets of the Syrian political process, as identified by former UN envoy de Mistura. These baskets include the governance, Constitutional Committee, elections, and others.
Jamous expressed his concerns about the current state of affairs at the United Nations, as it allowed the Assad regime to manipulate the political process by tying its continuation to participation in negotiations.
He also noted that approximately 80% of the necessary legislation related to elections has been completed, with the Elections Commission conducting workshops at a rate of one session every month and a half. The information produced in these workshops is subsequently transferred to the Negotiations Commission for study and discussion with other parties. This process ultimately results in the development of an electoral proposal that the Negotiations Commission can present during formal negotiations with the Assad regime or the United Nations.
The conference’s core concept aligns with the principles outlined in UN Resolution 2254 of 2015, which outlines a roadmap for the democratic transition in Syria. It emphasizes support for free and fair elections conducted in accordance with a new constitution within 18 months, overseen by the United Nations. This process entails defining governance prerequisites and adhering to the highest international standards regarding transparency and accountability. It aims to encompass all eligible Syrians, including refugees residing in host countries.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
