Prospects for Political Reform

» Morocco Update: The Latest

[Oct 19 5:14pm EST]

Global Voices has a great summary of the latest press crackdowns in Morocco. There have been so many as of late that Ms. York will need to start doing this kind of post every month.

[Oct 14 5:49pm EST]

In other parliamentary news, the PAM’s Secretary General Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah was just elected President of the House of Advisors (Morocco’s Upper House). In an unsurprising move, Biadillah “urged the members of the House to support the major projects launched by the Kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.”

[Oct 14 5:42pm EST]

King Mohammed VI kicked off the Fall session of parliament last Friday with a speech calling for the establishment of a new Economic and Social Council to “serve as a watchdog and as a powerhouse of proposals for public policy guidelines in economic, social and sustainable development sectors.” How this new body will interact with the current government is still not clear. However, one thing is certain: since it will be created by king, its members will enjoy widespread authority and no major political actor will dare criticize the Council’s raison d’être or objectively evaluate its progress—so as not to be seen as challenging the king’s authority. This is another unfortunate consequence of a king with so much vision, yet whose closest advisors tolerate no open policy debate.

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James Liddell, Morocco editor
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» From The POMED Wire

North Africa Rated Less Democratic than Sub-Saharan Africa

[Oct 14] The Mo Ibrahim Foundation has released its latest index that “provides a comprehensive ranking of African countries according to governance quality.” The index breaks…

Progress for Women’s Rights?

[Oct 8] In response to Maati Monjib’s article about recent electoral victories by women in Morocco (see here), James Liddell emphasizes the government’s role in “legislating…

The State of Political Reform

U.S. Democracy Promotion Policy

Legislation

For an overview of U.S. legislation relating to political reform in Morocco, see the Congressional Policy and Foreign Assistance section of the Morocco backgrounder

H.R. 2764 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 (Summary | Full Text | POMED Analysis)

H.R. 2601 [109th]: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007
(Summary | Full Text)

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Congressional Hearings

The Committee to Protect Journalists and Honorary Co-Hosts Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), Co-Chairs, Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press hosted a presentation and discussion by journalist Aboubakr Jamai (POMED Summary)

Assistance Programs

Millenium Challenge Corporation
Morocco Country Page
USAID Democracy and Governance Programs
Morocco Country Page
MEPI in Morocco
The Middle East Partnership Initiative regional website

Public Statements

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Remarks before meeting with Morocco Foreign Minister Taib Fassi Fihri, 4/09/09: “Well, it’s wonderful to welcome Minister Fihri here today on behalf of Morocco. We are so committed to our relationship and have very high regard for the extraordinary progress that has taken place in Morocco over the last years, and we look forward to deepening and strengthening our relationship.”

U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Thomas Riley, Statement on 2007 Human Rights Report, 3/11/08: “The U.S. Government vigorously promotes the cause of human rights as a core component of our foreign policy. This is based on a belief that a democratic system that includes free and fair elections; accountable and representative government institutions; and vibrant, independent civil society, political parties, NGOS, and free media, is the best guarantor of human rights. In Morocco, we see progress and a will to promote democratic change and respect for human rights, but Morocco still faces challenges in traveling the path of reform.”

“Morocco took a courageous step in promoting electoral transparency by allowing domestic and international observation of the 2007 parliamentary elections. In the United Nations and internationally, Morocco is recognized for its promotion of respect for human rights.”

State Department Statement Congratulating Morocco for Free and Fare Elections, 9/10/07: “Reports indicate the elections met international standards. We see the elections as another step forward for Morocco and we support the Moroccan people as they build a more democratic, representative government.”

Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes, Press Conference at Sidi Moumen Sports Complex in Casablanca, Morocco, 6/04/06: Comments on Morocco’s progresss in reforms and the strength of the U.S.-Morocco relationship. “Morocco has been at the forefront of a number of democratic reforms in the region. Whether it be from the reforms that the King is implementing, to reforms in granting greater rights for women, so Morocco I think has a real leadership role to play throughout the Arab and wider Islamic world. Morocco and my country also have a very special partnership. And as I just reminded the young women here, Morocco was the very first country to recognize my country. So I am happy to be here. And to celebrate our long friendship as we continue to learn from each other.”

Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), Speaking at an Event Marking the Release of Prisoners ofthe Western Sahara Conflict in Tetouan, Morocco, 8/19/05: ”Morocco is a model of reform in the region. The passage last year of the new family code that protects the rights of women was not just a landmark event for Morocco, but a shining example of government-led reform supported by civil society for all countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. The United States looks to Morocco as a reform leader in the region. Reform will secure longterm stability and prosperity in the region and remains a priority for the United States and all of the members of the G-8.”

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