How constitution-making fails and what we can learn from it
Author | : Kimana Zulueta-Fülscher |
Publisher | : International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) |
Total Pages | : 41 |
Release | : 2023-05-15 |
Genre | : Political Science |
ISBN | : 9176716325 |
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Constitution-making is often integral to achieving a new political settlement after conflict and in fragile settings. However, the process fails with relative frequency, in that actors cannot agree on a new text or the finalized text is not approved or ratified. While failure may be temporary—the process may resume after a period of time—it can also be costly. Key reforms may depend on the adoption of a new or revised constitution, and in its absence negotiations may stall and conflict recur. This Paper starts a conversation about the potential grounds for, and strategies to prevent or build on, failure. It was developed following the Ninth Edinburgh Dialogue on Post-Conflict Constitution-Building held in September 2022.