Constitutional reform - openDemocracy (Page 2)

It is worth a delay or two to put Tunisia on the right democratic path

The articles at stake now in the constitutional debates are too significant to wrap up in a matter of weeks

By Ahmed Medien

/ 10 Jun 2013

Underrated legislations: Arab parliaments could play a crucial transformational role

Arab parliaments have traditionally played a largely ceremonial and self-serving role in politics. But now, they must take a leading role in the renewal of democracy in the Middle East.

By Jan Völkel

/ 29 Apr 2013

Presidents, Prime Ministers and the Arab Spring

After a year of quiet turmoil under Ennahda's rule, post-revolution Tunisia faces many challenges. Sujit Choudhry and Richard Stacey have had a look at semi-presidentialism and have been evaluating which political system would be more beneficial to Tunisia's citizens.

By Sujit Choudhry and Richard Stacey

/ 21 Jan 2013

Democratic reform in Turkey: constitutional ‘moment’ or constitutional process?

Constitutions are highly entrenched laws that express the common identity of the nation. They require substantial public involvement. Yet in Turkey, the details of the reform process have not been fully disclosed, and it is being rushed through.

By Firat Cengiz

/ 14 Jan 2013

Institutionalising the Arab Gulf Governments

For the Arab States of the Gulf there are two kinds of reforms, those that are acceptable and those that are off limits. Off limit calls for reform include calling for a constitutional monarchy. Acceptable calls for reform on the other hand include advocating for women's rights and for the electio

By Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi

/ 1 Jan 2013

The new Egyptian constitution: an initial assessment of its merits and flaws

Egypt cannot be described as a religious state, given that political power remains firmly in the hands of civilians, but religion will now play a real role in inspiring how the state is to function. And military trials of civilians have been elevated to a constitutional principle.

By Zaid Al-Ali

/ 26 Dec 2012

The failings of the process of adopting the Egyptian constitution

If the constitution is approved by a simple majority of voters, the opposition would have no reason to abandon protesting the outcome and instability will persist.

By Ahmed E. Souaiaia

/ 16 Dec 2012

Constitutional highway to theocracy

Egypt's constitutional draft should be rejected, the draft contains many dangers regarding private property, the separation of powers and judicial independence for instance. It is important to understand the actual hazards of the constitutional draft and its possible consequences.

By Sara Labib

/ 13 Dec 2012

The upcoming general strike in Tunisia: a historical perspective

The first general strike in Tunisia since 1978 takes place in a much-changed country and against old friends but for rather similar reasons.

By Mohamed-Salah Omri

/ 12 Dec 2012

President Morsi’s hazardous calculation

Morsi’s announcement has exacerbated the indignation of the opposition which is under the impression it is being blackmailed: either it votes yes on the constitutional referendum, or Morsi keeps unlimited powers.

By Alexis Blouet

/ 5 Dec 2012

Egypt’s constitution: the gatekeepers of the old regime and those who backtrack on their word

The official spokesman for Egypt’s al-Nour party and elected member of its Constituent Assembly writes to explain why President Morsi had to act as he did in defence of a political legitimacy won through the ballot box.

By Nader Bakkar

/ 5 Dec 2012

The 'politics' in Ethiopia's political trials

The Ethiopian regime is using the legal system to eliminate dissident voices and drag protesters to court under terrorism charges. Far from guaranteeing equality and justice, the country’s courts serve as an instrument in the Government’s hands to legitimize persecution of political adversaries wh

By Awol Allo

/ 30 Nov 2012