MOROCCO

Formal Name: Kingdom of Morocco

(Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah)
Morocco is a country where African, Arab and European cultures are entwined. Located at the mouth of
the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco is the closest point of contact to Europe for Africa as a continent. It is a
vast and varied territory that was only relatively recently united into a modern nation state. Its long
history records a struggle for ascendancy between the Berber tribes of the mountains and the Arabs of
the plains, the rise and fall of powerful dynasties, the creation and collapse of mighty empires, and, from
the 18th century, manipulation and exploitation by European powers seeking to expand their empires.

Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy

whereby the Prime Minister of Morocco is the head of government, and of a multi-party system

Chief of State: King Mohammed VI

He belongs to the Alaouite dynasty and ascended to the throne on 23 July 1999 upon the death of his
father, King Hassan II.

Head of Government:
Prime Minister Saad-Eddine el-Othmani

He was the foreign minister from 2011-2013 and had since served as the head of the PJD’s
parliamentary group. On 17 March, 2017, he was appointed as the Prime minister by King Mohammed
VI.

The Kingdom of Morocco developed a constitutional monarchy based on Islamic law and French and
Spanish civil law systems soon after receiving independence.

Includes the chief of state—the hereditary position held for life by the king—the prime minister, and a
council of ministers, who are appointed by the king

Executive - King acts as both the secular political leader and the "Commander of the Faithful," presides
over the Council of Ministers, and appoints various members of government. Prime minister serves as
the head of government of Morocco.

Election Process - King is hereditary, prime minister is appointed by monarch but must be chosen from
the largest party in parliament.

Election Cycle - Life appointment

Consists of a bicameral parliament with a Chamber of Counselors and a Chamber of Representatives

The 270 members of the Chamber of Counselors are selected by local councils, professional
organizations, and labor syndicates for nine-year terms.

The 325 members of the Chamber of Representative are elected by popular vote for six-year terms.

Legislative - Majlis al-Mustacharin (The House of Councillors of Morocco) revise the constitution,
help with budgetary matters, approve bills, question ministers, and establish ad hoc commissions of
inquiry to investigate the government's actions. The Majli al-Nuwab (The Assembly of Representatives of
Morocco) may dissolve the government through a vote of no confidence.
Election Process - Majli al-Mustacharin members are elected by indirect vote. Majli al-Nuwab
members are elected by proportional representation in multi-member constituencies.

Election Cycle - Majlis al-Mustacharin: 6 years; Majlis al-Nuwab: 5 years

Consisting of a Supreme Court of Judges, is presided over by the monarch

Administration is further divided into thirty-seven provinces. Provincial governors are appointed by the
king and answer to the central government.

Judicial- Supreme Court serves as the apex court in Morocco.

Election Process - Appointed by the monarch upon the recommendation of the Supreme Council of the
Judiciary.

Election Cycle - Life appointment

BASIC BELIEFS OF THE COUNTRY

National and local elections are held regularly, but under the clear control of the monarchy and the
subservient Ministry of Interior.

The latest parliamentary election was held in October 2016, confirming the Islamist Party of Justice and
Development (PJD) and the monarchic Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) as the strongest
parties.

Elected officials in Morocco do not possess the effective power to govern the country. Although the king
is obliged to appoint any member from the party winning the largest seat share as head of government,
effective power rests with the monarchy.

The Moroccan constitution guarantees the right of assembly and association.

NGOs are subjected to extensive administrative and financial regulation by the state.

Civil society organizations are quite active in Morocco, but are often subject to legal harassment, travel
restrictions, excessive police violence and other impediments to their work

BASIC INFORMATION OF THE COUNTRY

Location: North Africa, bordering Algeria 1,559 km, Western Sahara 443 km, Spain (Ceuta) 6.3 km, Spain
(Melilla) 9.6 km

Capital: Rabat
Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior
Population: 36 million (2019 est.)
Official language: Arabic and Berber
Ethnic Make-up: Arab-Berber 99.1%, other 0.7%, Jewish 0.2%
Religions: Muslim 98.7%, Christian 1.1%, Jewish 0.2%