Political System of Morocco
From International Business Wiki
Morocco was not always independent. They were at one time under the rule of the French. They got their independence on March 2nd, 1956. Their constitution was founded on March 10th, 1972. It was then revised on September 4th 1992, and then later amended to create a bicameral legislature in 1996. To say the least this country has been through a lot of changes in the past to be what it is today. Morocco’s political system is a constitutional monarchy. It has 3 branches of government as we do here in America, the Executive branch, Legislative branch, and the Judicial branch. The difference between Morocco’s political system and America’s political system is the fact that their executive branch has no president but a king.
The king has more power than both the judiciary and the legislature. Mohammed VI has been king since 1999. He came into power after the death of his father. The monarch must be male as stated in their constitution. The monarch or king appoints the other members of government. He also appoints the prime mister. The king would appoint 306 members. Their term lasts for six years. He also appointed heads of provinces. Morocco is split into 35 provinces each having someone appointed to rule. With that there are also 7 urban prefectures. The provinces are divided into circles and the circles are then divided into districts. Ref 1
As stated earlier the constitution was amended in 1996 created a bicameral legislature. This act would initially force democracy upon the country of Morocco. Approximately 99% of the Moroccan people voted for this change. Because of the new political system put in place the House of Representatives will be chosen entirely by universal suffrage. “The new House of Counselors, which will represent the active forces in the nation, will be elected by indirect suffrage.” Ref 2
Morocco is the only African country that is not part of the AU (African Union). The AU was put into place to secure human rights, democracy and sustainable economy for Africa’s well being. They also hope to convert to one currency called the Afro. Due to the fact that Morocco is not a part of this union trade may be difficult between it and neighboring countries. The current form of currency used in Morocco is the dirham.
Through the centuries Morocco has seen many political changes, from being a French province, to become independent and now pushing democracy as a new way to govern its people.
