The National Consensus Commission has sent the final draft of the July National Charter to political parties, asking them to submit their opinions by 4 pm on August 20, commission sources said on Saturday night.
An earlier draft, released on July 28, had called on parties to complete all reforms within two years of assuming office following the next general election.
The latest draft, however, stipulates that recommendations considered “immediately implementable” should be carried out by the interim government and relevant authorities before the polls, using appropriate and effective measures.
The draft outlines 84 issues on which political parties reached consensus during two rounds of discussions between March 20 and July 31. It also incorporates notes of dissent from several parties.
The charter describes itself as the framework of a new political settlement forged through consensus and as a reflection of the sacrifices and aspirations of the July–August 2024 movement. It pledges full implementation of its provisions.
The commission urged political parties to embed the charter’s provisions and decisions into the constitution. In the event of any conflict between the charter and existing laws or the constitution, the charter would take precedence.
The draft further vests the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court with authority for final interpretation of its provisions, declaring every provision constitutionally and legally binding and beyond judicial challenge regarding its legitimacy or necessity.
It states that the people’s uninterrupted struggle for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law—particularly the historic significance of the 2024 uprising—will receive constitutional and state recognition.
The charter also calls on political parties to pledge justice for those killed during the July uprising, state honours for the martyrs, support for their families, and rehabilitation for the injured.
The draft draws historical parallels, noting that although no constitution was in force between March 26, 1971, and November 4, 1972, all activities during that period were later incorporated into the 1972 constitution, thereby granting them legal and constitutional legitimacy while paying tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War.
It also cites the aftermath of the December 6, 1990, mass uprising, when the resignation of the chief justice, his assumption of the vice presidency, temporary presidency, and subsequent return to the judiciary had no legal basis. Yet those actions, it notes, were legitimised through political commitments and later endorsed by parliament as the will of the people, strengthening constitutional convention and democracy.
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