Publication

Countries emerging from authoritarianism frequently face constitutional challenges. Among them are sequencing constitutional reform with a transition to democracy, designing a constitutional review process that is seen as legitimate and addressing substantive constitutional concerns. Whatever the chosen process for constitutional reform, legitimacy must remain the sine non qua of a successful constitution-making moment. Adherence to guiding principles of inclusivity, participation, transparency, consensus and national ownership can legitimize the constitution-making process and the final document itself.