Iceland’s new constitution is currently being drafted, and a number of changes are already being proposed.
As the Grapevine reported, elections for the 25-member constitutional assembly were ruled invalid on the grounds that the way the elections were conducted broke numerous voting laws. The issue has been a political one, as conservatives have been opposed to changing the constitution, while leftists greatly favour doing so. Last February, the government proposed appointing those 25 who had been elected onto a “constitutional council”, thereby getting around the court ruling. The measure passed, 30 votes against 21.
Vísir now reports that a number of changes are already being proposed. Among these is an addition to the chapter on human rights, which would forbid any Icelander from being conscripted into military service. Iceland has no military force at the moment, and the closest thing to it – the Icelandic Defence Agency – was abolished last January. However, should an Icelandic army be formed, for whatever reason, and this new article to the constitution be passed, no Icelander need fear being drafted.
Those curious about the constitutional council, its background, and its purpose can visit their English language page. News on their progress is still only in Icelandic.
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