Syrian President Bashar Assad has ordered a referendum on February 26 on a new constitution that would open the way to political parties other than the ruling Baath Party, the state news agency said Wednesday, February 15.

Amendments to Syria’s constitution were a key demand by the opposition at the beginning of the country’s 11-month-old uprising against Assad.

But in the wake of the military’s deadly assault on dissent, many opposition leaders are demanding nothing less than Assad’s departure.

The current Syrian constitution enshrines Assad’s Baath Party as the leader of the state. But according to the new draft, “the state’s political system is based on political pluralism and power is practiced democratically through voting.”

The draft also says the president can hold office only for a maximum of two seven-year terms. Assad, who inherited power from his father, has been in power for nearly 12 years, AP reported.

The Syrian revolt started in March with mostly peaceful protests against the authoritarian regime. But the conflict has become far more violent and militarized in recent months as army defectors fight back against government forces.