Morocco’s rendez vous with democratic reform: an appraisal

10 October 2011
Tayuh Ngenge
International IDEA
<p>In the preceding nine months, a revolutionary wind of change has engulfed North Africa and the Middle East. It brought with it unprecedented consequences on the long established political regimes of the region. In Tunisia, where the Arab Spring – as the phenomenon has been called – originated, the 23-year rule of Zine El Abidine Ben Ali suddenly ended on January 14 when the latter fled the country as the situation spiraled out of control. On February 11, it was the turn of Egypt’s Hosni Mubarak to go, after 30 years in power; and later in August, Libya’s Muammar Gadaffi, after a 42-year rule. In Syria and Yemen, the regimes of Bashar Al Assad and Abdullah Saleh are still locked in a standoff with revolutionaries demanding not only reforms but regime change. In Morocco – a hereditary monarchy, authorities were able to avert the departure of long-serving rulers witnessed in other countries across the region by placating protesters with a new constitution. How and why was this possible? What does the new constitution mean for Moroccans? To what extent is it likely to change the future of Moroccan politics?</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><p><div>[toc hidden:1]</div>
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Comments

V.T.Thamilmaran 10 October 2011
<p>Although the inclusive approach is commendable, the guarantee of ownership of political power remaining with the people should be declared somewhere. It is much encouraging to see the significance attached to gender equality. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Dissolving the elected legislature of reshuffling the cabinet at whim and fancies of some individuals should be avoided if people are to remain sovereign. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Any arrangements of Bill of Rights or some entrenched clauses that guarantee the supremacy of the Constitution (particularly, relating to power-sharing with the local units)&nbsp;? What would be the status of major International Human Rights instruments in the national court of law?</p> <p>Some of these are the concerns of persons like me who believe in democracy and human rights. </p> <p>V.T.Thamilmaran</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>

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