Protests against King Mohammad VI's proposed constitutional reforms took place on Sunday, with 10,000 people on the streets in Tangier.  However, a Moroccan interior official claimed that the actual number of anti-referendum protesters was only 1,000, and there were more than 3,000 counter-protesters in favor of the referendum. Paul Bonicelli emphasizes the King will not continue to control every aspect of government and will share power with others: "That might not be ...

On Friday, Moroccans voted to approve the constitutional changes proposed by King Mohammed VI last month that promised to implement reform and political openness.  Reports show that the referendum was passed by 98.5 percent of the vote, though the final results could still take several days. U.S. State Department Spokesman, Mark Toner welcomed the  referendum "as an important step in Morocco’s ongoing democratic development. We understand that it’s going to take a ...

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 ...

Shadi Hamid, the director of research at the Brookings Doha Center and Anouar Boukhars, a former fellow at The Brookings Institution  wrote that the United States and European Union should stop "praising" King Mohammed VI's promises of reform and instead ensure that certain priorities are implemented through the reforms.  These priorities include freedom of association and speech, limiting the powers of the king and the royal court, allowing elected institutions to ...

In Morocco on Sunday, marchers, both in support of and in opposition to the proposed constitutional changes, clashed throughout the country. Marches occurred in numerous locations, including Casablanca, Rabat, Tangiers, Marrakech, and Tetouan. The government also ordered all religious leaders to urge their followers to support the constitutional reforms. The government cited King Muhammad VI's role as religious leader as justification for the demand of support. The snap referendum to approve the constitutional changes ...

Writing for the Carnegie Endowment, Marina Ottaway discusses the constitutional reforms announced by King Mohammed VI. Identity politics played an important role in the constitutional debate, specifically the controversial issues of defining the state as Islamic or not, and recognizing the language of the Berber minority. And while providing the parliament with more power, the new constitution fails to "clearly and unequivocally" reduce the king's power. Ottaway concludes that the new constitution will ...

About 6,000 protesters marched through Casablanca yesterday, demanding democratic reforms and an end to corruption. The protest came ahead of King Mohammed VI's expected announcement of constitutional reforms intended to address protesters' demands. The reformed constitution was shown to political party leaders on Friday, although it has not yet been made public. It is reported that many of the reforms outlined meet the demands of protesters. But the protesters in Casablanca and the February 20 movement ...

Writing in the Los Angeles Times, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace scholar Lahcen Achy argues that the reforms to Morocco's constitution, announced by King Mohammed VI in March, signify a shift from an absolute to constitutional monarchy. He notes that while "the planned changes will not lead to a parliamentary constitution in Morocco," the reforms will reduce the king's powerful role, introduce a separation of powers, promote the participation and rights of ...

Moroccan security services violently dispersed protests in Casablanca and its twin city of Sale on Sunday, beating protestors with truncheons and using motorcycles to disperse the crowds.  These protests follow a trend of increasing radicalization of demands, met with a more violent response by security forces.  The protests have been led by the February 20th movement who demand more political freedoms, democracy, and better living conditions.  The government's chief spokesman said ...

On Tuesday, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace hosted a debate to be aired on BBC's The World Debate on U.S. foreign policy in response to the uprisings in the Middle East. Matt Frei, anchor for BBC's World News America moderated the event and introduced the following panelists: Marwan Muasher, Vice President for Studies at the Carnegie Endowment; Tamara Wittes, Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Near Eastern ...

Anouar Boukhars, writing at the Arab Reform Bulletin, discusses the Gulf Cooperation Council's invitation to Morocco to become a member of the bloc.  Boukhars notes the diplomatic, political and economic boost membership would bring to the country, especially in light of its ongoing conflict with Algeria.  However, he states, many Moroccans oppose joining the group as they see it as an attempt by Gulf countries to forestall the reforms promised ...