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Dear Reader,
In the December newsletter we share with you three original Voices from the Field and a number of updates on constitutional reform processes in different parts of the world.
The latest amendments to the Constitution of Sudan have largely failed to give effect to crucial aspects of the outcomes of the National Dialogue and alienated even groups sympathetic to the process. Fundamental change in the governance of the state requires the creation of a totally new transitional government and agreement on the foundations for a new state in an inclusive process that should have the support of the vast majority of Sudanese ethnic, regional, and political groups and organizations.
Despite initial indications that Chile’s constituent process was doomed to stall with the probable election of a right-wing government, the presidential and congressional elections of 19 November have challenged the dominant narratives. On Sunday 17 December 2017, Chile will face a presidential runoff with a revived constitutional agenda that is likely to stay for some time in Chilean politics.
In Malta, the recent public demonstrations have put the issue of constitutional reforms at the forefront of the political agenda. In a context of a de facto two-party system, the independence and impartiality of institutions, such as the Attorney General and Police Commissioner, has become central to the reform demands. In view of its significance, the reform process should be inclusive and participatory and may involve a consultative referendum to enhance its legitimacy.
In 2017, ConstitutionNet published 44 original Voices from the Field spanning constitutional reform projects in 35 countries from all parts of the globe: from Africa (12 countries), to Asia (seven countries), to Europe (10 countries), to the Middle East and North Africa (four countries), and to Latin America (two country). Seventeen of these countries were covered in the 2017 Voices from the Field series for the first time.
As 2017 ends, we would like to thank you for your faithful followership. International IDEA and ConstitutionNet will continue the flow of updates and analyses in 2018. Until then, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and a happy New Year.
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