Afghanistan’s proposed new constitution is significantly flawed. The draft differs radically from the one the Constitutional Review Commission submitted to President Karzai in late September and would be unlikely to ensure inclusive, democratic governance and protect human rights – issues central to its public acceptance and national stability. The results of earlier public consultation have been disregarded in favour of strengthening President Karzai’s power. No meaningful power-sharing is envisaged, either within the national government or between central and provincial governments. The draft provides no clarity on how possible conflicts between international human rights law and Islamic law might be resolved and fails to guarantee women effective political representation. If adopted by the Constitutional Loya Jirga without important changes, it would allow religious and central government power holders to accumulate more authority at the cost of democratic forces.