Project on Middle East Democracy

Morocco

Fundamental information for understanding the state of political reform in Morocco

Prospects for Political Reform

» Morocco Update: The Latest

[Dec 18 6:14pm EST]


Mohammed Meskaoui, National Coordinator for the Protection of Public Assets, lashed out over the lack of transparency in the development of the Finance Law. He also said, “90% of parliamentarians are financially illiterate.” A senior USFP official recently proclaimed that atleast 25% of MPs were drug barons. What is the percentage of drug barrons in parliament who are also financially illiterate?


[Dec 18 6:10pm EST]


Saharan activist Aminatou Haidar finally ended her hunger strike after she was let back into Laayoune following the intervention of French President, Nicholas Sarkozy.


[Dec 9 6:02pm EST]


Check out Maghreb Politics Review for a comprehensive analysis of the tragedy unfolding over the fate of Sahrawi activist, Aminatou Haidar. Her hunger strike in a Canary Island airport has almost reached one month and doctors expect her to die soon unless immediate action is taken.


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James Liddell, Morocco editor
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» From The POMED Wire

Morocco: Haidar Returns Home

[Dec 18] Middle East Online reports that Western Sahara activist Aminatou Haidar has returned home after starting a hunger strike over a month ago. Police stated Haidar…

Morocco: Sahara Activist Saga Continues

[Dec 15] Amnesty International has called for Morocco to allow Western Sahara activist Aminatou Haidar, who is currently on a hunger strike after being denied access…

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The State of Political Reform

Political Parties and Participation

Human Rights

Elections

Press Freedom

Political Institutions

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)

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


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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Other Reports and Publications

Basic Information

 Map of Morocco

Official Name: The Kingdom of Morocco

Government: Constitutional Monarchy with Bicameral Legislature (325 seats, lower house; 270 seats, upper house)

Population: 34 million (2008), 99% Arab-Berber Muslim

GDP per capita: $2360

More Basic Info »

Constitution: Morocco Constitution

Political Parties and Organizations

Domestic Media

Human and Civil Rights Organizations

Blogs