Analysis: Morocco’s Constitutional Referendum

Emma Hayward, from the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, discussed whether or not the new constitutional provisions introduced by King Mohamed VI would lead to real reform or stabilization in an article entitled, “Morocco’s Constitutional Referendum: Context, Content, and Impact.”  Hayward asserted that many of the new provisions are unclear including, the provision that does not specify whether the king or the ruling party will choose the prime minister following the elections.  ”Demonstrators for and against the reforms take opposing views on the interpretation of these and many other clauses, creating uncertainty about crucial issues such as who will control the cabinet,” she wrote. Hayward also argued that the amendments are “deliberately vague” because the king personally chose every member of the reform commission and did not allow for the release of the document to other party members until a day before his announcement.  Also, the Interior of Ministry changed the date of the referendum from September to July 1, which only gives Moroccans several days to discuss the draft.  Hayward said that since Moroccans support the king, it is likely that the referendum will pass on Friday.  The approval of the new constitution would also be a “win-win” for Washington, however, she emphasized, that given the “current approach, the palace’s overwhelming motive appears to be political stabilization rather than true reform.”