BEIRUT // Syrians voted in a referendum on a new constitution which President Bashar Al Assad said would pave the way for a multi-party parliamentary election within three months. Here are some of the main points of the new constitution:
Political parties
It drops a clause that effectively granted Mr Al Assad's Baath Party a monopoly on power by styling it as the "leading party in the society and the state". Several new parties have already been licensed, but the new text forbids political activity or parties based on "religious, sectarian, tribal [or] regional" basis, which would prevent the Muslim Brotherhood registering, and also restrict parties representing minority Kurds.
Presidential Powers
Real power remains with the president, who "lays down the general policy of the state and oversees its implementation", can declare war or a state of emergency, can draft laws and assumes legislative authority when parliament is not sitting.
Presidential Terms
The president is limited to two seven-year terms. Mr Al Assad's second term expires in 2014. However, another clause in the constitution says laws will not apply retroactively, implying Mr Al Assad could serve another two terms until 2028.
Running For President
It allows for a contested presidential election, rather than a vote to approve a single candidate. The seven presidential elections since 1971 had only had one name on the ballot paper: Mr Al Assad - first Hafez and then his son Bashar. A presidential hopeful must have the support of 35 members of parliament and must be at least 40-years-old, a requirement which was circumvented when Mr Bashar inherited power on his father's death in 2000. The president must have lived in Syria for 10 years, a requirement which would rule out many of Mr Assad's opponents who have lived in exile for years.
Religion
The state respects all religions, but the constitution retains a requirement for the president to be a Muslim and says Islamic law is a major source of legislation - alienating minority Christians, many of whom have steered clear of the revolt against Mr Al Assad.
Economy
It drops a clause that describes Syria as a "planned socialist economy". Instead, the economy "shall be based developing public and private economic activity through economic and social plans aimed at increasing the national income, developing production, raising the individual's living standards and creating jobs".