Specification:
In an effort to find solutions to the political stagnation in Syria, some Syrian legal experts are advocating steps they see as a solution for the country. One of these proposals is the creation of a Senate, where all Syrian factions would be represented with their various ethnic and sectarian orientations. The Research and Studies Department of the Syrian Future Movement’s Political Office is working on a concept that may assist key stakeholders and influencers in this process.
About the Senate:
The Senate is one of the two legislative chambers in many developed countries and is considered the upper house of parliament. The powers and responsibilities of the Senate vary from one country to another, but in general, the Senate’s key roles can be summarized in the following points:
- Legislative Review: The Senate reviews laws passed by the lower house (such as the House of Representatives) before their final approval. This aims to ensure that the laws are constitutional and aligned with long-term national interests.
- Representation of Groups: In some countries, the Senate represents regional or different social groups, ensuring broader representation of diverse voices in the decision-making process.
- Approval of Appointments: The Senate often holds the authority to approve the appointments of high-ranking government officials, such as ministers, ambassadors, and judges.
- Ratification of International Treaties: Senate approval is also required for the ratification of international treaties.
- Conducting Impeachment Trials: The Senate plays a role in conducting trials for government officials who have been impeached by the lower house.
It can be said that the Senate plays an important role in maintaining the balance of powers, protecting rights and freedoms, and ensuring the representation of various segments of society in the decision-making process. The powers and responsibilities of the Senate may vary slightly from one country to another, so this explanation provides a general overview of its fundamental functions.
Criticisms of Establishing a Senate:
Despite the many benefits that the establishment of a Senate can bring, it also comes with potential drawbacks that should be taken into account. These disadvantages vary depending on the political and social conditions of each country, but the main ones can be summarized as follows:
- Disrupting Decision-Making Process: The presence of two legislative chambers can increase bureaucracy and slow down decision-making, especially in times when the country requires swift actions. Disagreements between the House of Representatives and the Senate on various issues could lead to legislative paralysis.
- Additional Financial Costs: Establishing a new Senate requires a substantial budget to cover the salaries of members and staff, as well as operational and administrative costs. In developing countries, these additional expenses may burden limited financial resources.
- Complicating the Political System: The creation of a Senate could add more layers to the political system, increasing complexity and making reforms harder to implement. Achieving consensus among different political factions on the formation and powers of the Senate can also be difficult.
- Ineffectiveness at Times:The Senate may be used by political parties to achieve narrow partisan gains instead of serving the public interest. Senators could also neglect their duties, leading to a decline in the overall performance of the Senate.
- Deepening Divisions: The existence of two legislative chambers can deepen existing political divisions, making it harder to achieve national consensus. The electoral system might also result in unbalanced representation of different social groups, weakening the legitimacy of the Senate.
The creation of a Senate is not a magical solution to all political problems; rather, it is a tool that can contribute to enhancing democracy and good governance if designed and implemented correctly! Therefore, the benefits and drawbacks of establishing a Senate must be carefully evaluated before making such a decision. It is important to note the following:
- Local conditions: The pros and cons of a Senate vary depending on the political and social conditions of each country.
- Institutional design: Some drawbacks can be mitigated through a well-structured institutional design for the Senate.
- Learning from other countries’ experiences: Countries with a Senate can provide valuable insights when designing an appropriate system.
A Senate for the Syrian Political Arena:
The addition of a Senate to the Syrian political system could contribute to strengthening democracy and good governance, offering several benefits, including:
Balance in the Decision-Making Process:
- Review and Scrutiny: The Senate would review laws and proposals from the lower house, ensuring their quality and alignment with the constitution and national interests. This would represent a broader social and geographical spectrum, leading to more comprehensive decisions that address diverse needs. Additionally, having two legislative bodies can slow down decision-making, providing decision-makers with ample time to thoroughly analyze issues.
Strengthening Oversight of the Executive Branch:
- Government Accountability: The Senate would have the authority to question the government about its policies and actions, enhancing transparency and accountability. This role would also ensure the protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms, with the Senate playing a crucial role in safeguarding these fundamental rights.
Improving the Political System’s Image:
- Democratic Legitimacy: The Senate would bolster democratic legitimacy within the political system and demonstrate the state’s commitment to good governance principles. It could also contribute to creating a more democratic and transparent political system, potentially attracting foreign investment.
Developing Civil Society:
- Activating Political Parties: The Senate could provide a platform for opposition parties to engage in the decision-making process.
- Enhancing Political Participation: The presence of a Senate would encourage citizens to engage more actively in political and electoral processes.
Challenges of Establishing a Senate in Syria:
One of the primary challenges is the security situation. The ongoing war in Syria presents a significant obstacle to creating effective democratic institutions. Additionally, the intense political polarization impedes consensus on the structure and powers of the Senate.
The Syrian political system also lacks the necessary experience to manage a bicameral parliamentary system. Establishing a Senate would require substantial financial resources.
However, adding a Senate to the Syrian political system remains an important step toward building a democratic and stable state. This endeavor requires the collective efforts of all concerned parties and overcoming the challenges facing the country.
Key Points to Consider:
- Nature of the Senate: It is essential to define whether the Senate will be elected directly or indirectly, and what the mechanism for selecting its members will be.
- Powers of the Senate: The powers of the Senate must be clearly defined, ensuring a balance of power between different branches of government.
- Current Situation in Syria: The complex security and political situation in Syria must be considered when designing any new political system.
Our Goal and Recommendations:
Our goal is the essence of representative democracy. To ensure that the Senate fairly represents the national components of any country, including Syria, the electoral and legislative system must include a range of guarantees and measures to ensure this fair representation.
In the Political Office of the Syrian Future Movement, we recommend several proposals that could contribute to achieving this goal:
Establishing a Fair Electoral System:
Adopting a proportional representation electoral system is essential in Syria, where parties and lists receive seats proportional to the percentage of votes they obtain. This system ensures broader representation of different social groups.
The country should be divided into homogeneous electoral districts based on population size and social composition, with each district representing a specific segment of society.
A certain number of seats should be allocated to represent major national components, such as religious and ethnic minorities.
Constitutional Guarantees:
We also recommend that the constitution explicitly guarantee equality among all citizens in rights and duties, regardless of race, religion, or sect.
The constitution should protect public freedoms, including freedom of expression, assembly, and the formation of political parties.
Judicial Oversight of Elections:
A strong and independent constitutional court should be established to handle electoral disputes and ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Voter Awareness:
We recommend implementing extensive voter awareness programs to educate citizens about the importance of political participation and their rights.
The voter registration process should be facilitated, and citizens should be encouraged to participate in elections.
Representation of Women and Youth:
We believe it is necessary to allocate a certain percentage of seats in the Senate for women, with a focus on activating the role of youth and encouraging their participation in political life, and allocating a certain percentage of seats for them.
Finally, the prevalence of corruption and favoritism can impact the integrity of the electoral process, so it is crucial to strangle and contain corruption by all possible means.
Achieving fair representation for national components in the Senate requires strong political will and a commitment to democratic principles. Therefore, this representation must be part of a comprehensive national project aimed at building a democratic, strong, and stable state.
Elias Abd Al-Masih
Political Office
Research and Studies Department
Articles
Syrian Future Movement
