Political Transition Observatory in Syria

Madaniya, in partnership with The Day After, has concluded the first phase of the Political Transition Observatory in Syria project. This phase culminated in a conference presenting the Observatory’s indicators and the preliminary framework of its matrix. The partnership is now moving into a new stage focused on further developing and regularly updating the indicators, as well as broadening discussions with local actors and experts, in preparation for adopting the final version as a civic monitoring tool for the upcoming phase.

The project aims to track the trajectory of political transition in Syria through the development of a set of indicators that assess the various factors influencing it. These include the performance of state institutions, legal and regulatory frameworks, the roles of political, civic, and international actors, as well as broader dynamics of public trust. Through this monitoring effort, the project seeks to provide a rigorous analytical reading of the challenges and gaps affecting the transition process at its different stages.

The project also aims to produce periodic reports that highlight points of stagnation and available opportunities, facilitating evidence-based discussions on what is required to move the process forward in line with the principles of accountability, transparency, and inclusivity. The final format of the reports and the mechanisms for their use will be determined in consultation with partners, with the intention that they inform relevant discussions and policy directions among transitional authorities, Syrian civil society organisations, and concerned international stakeholders.

At this stage, preparations are underway for specialised sessions with a group of experts across the themes of elections, judicial reform, constitutional reform, security sector reform, transitional justice, and the economy, with the aim of deepening and refining the technical discussion. Efforts are also ongoing to expand and diversify the pool of experts, ahead of returning to member organisations to share the outcomes of these consultations and discuss the next steps.