The Syrian Constitution of July 10, 1953 was promulgated following a constitutional referendum under Adib al-Shishakli to replace the Syrian Constitution of September 5, 1950. This latter was later reinstated when Hashim al-Atassi returned to the presidency in 1954. [1] The Constitution of July 10, 1953 is considered "the one under which the presidential system of government was introduced for the first time in an Arab country." [2]
The draft constitution, developed by the Council of Ministers, was made public on June 21, 1953. On the same day, Decree No. 151 was issued, announcing that the Syrian people, both men and women, would vote on this draft constitution by plebiscite on July 10, 1953. They would also directly and secretly elect the President of the Republic. [3]
The constitution was adopted following a referendum under Adib al-Shishakli, replacing the 1950 constitution. Al-Shishakli was the only presidential candidate, and the constitution was approved by 99.9% of voters. It introduced Syria's first presidential system, similar to the United States, abolishing the prime minister's position and making ministers accountable to the president rather than the parliament. Civil rights, political and economic pluralism, and Syria's Arab identity from the 1950 constitution were preserved.
The constitution lasted only six months, from July 10, 1953, to February 26, 1954. It granted the president direct election by the people, making him the head of government with power to appoint ministers. In return, the constitution protected the legislative body from dissolution and balanced the executive-legislative powers. Though regarded as a solution to Syria's political instability, it was difficult for political forces to accept due to its implementation under a dictatorial regime. Following al-Shishakli's removal in February 1954, the 1950 constitution and parliament were reinstated, with Hashim al-Atassi returning as president. [4] [5]