USIP Special Report - Iraq’s Constitutional Process, Shaping a Vision for the Country’s Future

This report summarizes the lessons that have emerged from the USIP–UNDP constitution-making project that have particular relevance for consideration by members of a post-election Iraqi National Assembly, the Iraqi public and the international community. The report provides a background to Iraqi constitutionalism, and offers recommendations on key issues that will need to be addressed when setting up the constitution-making process, which include: defining the rules to govern the process, setting up a technical body to organize the constitution-making effort, public participation and consultation efforts, timing of the process, ensuring democratic representation, party drafting/consensus drafting and the role of the international community.