Assad issues decree on multi-party law

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/192281.html

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has issued a decree which will authorize a multi-party political system in the country.

Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Thursday that the president issued Legislative Decree No. 100 for 2011 on Parties Law and Legislative Decree No. 101 for 2011 on General Election Law.

The decree paves the way for the establishment of political parties and allows them to function alongside the country's Baath Party, which has been in power since 1963 with the constitutional status of “the leader of state and society.”

Assad's decree means the law can take effect immediately without approval of the Syrian parliament.

Last month, the Syrian government adopted a draft law on multiple political organizations, which was “aimed at enriching political life, creating a new dynamic and allowing for a change in political power.”

The decree also prohibits parties founded on the basis of “religion, tribal affiliation, and regional interests.”

Syria has been experiencing unrest in past months with demonstrations held both against and in support of the government.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said security forces killed four civilians and injured dozens of others in several cities across the country on Wednesday.

The Syrian opposition accuses security forces of being behind the killings, but the government blames the deadly violence on armed gangs.