Constitutional Review – Civilians to Decide July 1

Romoke W. Ahmad

28 June 2011

Moroccans both at home and in the Diaspora are expected to be part of is described as a watershed even in the Kingdom of Morocco during the review of the country’s constitution in a referendum slated for July 1st this year.

The changes in the constitution according to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Nigeria, Mustapha Cherqaoui, will enable them decide on the new draft of the constitution which is expected to serve the country for some years before another review as it has become part of the country’s attitude to review the constitution after certain period to make room for improvement.

While briefing journalists at the weekend at his residence in Asokoro Abuja on the up coming event which Moroccans are expected to come out in their millions wherever they are to be part of it, the Ambassador said it is necessary to let people know what Morocco is planning to do and to let Moroccans around the world be aware so that they can exercise their civic right on the said day.

“It is mandatory for all Moroccans to be part of the referendum because the review deals with every aspect of activities of the country to enable them standardize democracy in the country,” the Ambassador comment.

The draft constitution contains new issues that were not mention in it before but were adhered to in dealing with the citizens of the country not form part of and are mentioned and included in the new draft which Moroccans are expected to read through and vote for or against it as the case may be.

Issues raised in the in the new draft of the constitution include; reinforcement of power of the two houses of the parliament, total prohibition of cross carpeting from one political party to another, prohibition of parliament members immunity outside the parliament, national sovereignty and supremacy of the constitution, separation of power under constitutional, democratic, parliamentary and social monarch, independent of the judiciary.

Other fundamental issues raised in the new draft is the gender equality, confirmation of regionalisation where power will be distributed between the central and regional governments, fight against corruption, good governance, human right in all matters, reinforcement of multi party system, all and other relevant matters according to Cherqaoui are now included and protected in the new constitution for consideration on the stipulated date.

When asked if the review was as a result of what has been happening in some Arab countries, the envoy denied saying “reviewing of our constitution has been part of Morocco for many years by including necessary information that needed to added during the review which allowed full participation of all Moroccans.”

It was also disclosed that there was full participation of all stakeholders such as the political parties, trade unions, civil society groups and youth representative in the preparation of an innovative draft from beginning to the end as it was contained in the address of King Muhammed VI on March 9th of this year titled democratic frame of reference set out for sweeping of constitutional revision.

Also, the draft included revisiting of linguistic pact which is grounded in pluralism and open attitude with an official status to Amazign language with gradual integration process into schools and main public sector like the Arabic language.

Another issue of interest in the draft of the constitutional review is the religion matter which now make provision for freedom of worship and religion.

It is noted that Islam is the main religion in the country for many years backed by a portion of the constitution but now make provision for other religion. Morocco envoy in Nigeria said, “As we are known to be an Islamic country, Morocco is now open to other religion that people now allowed constitutionally to practice religion of their choice”.

With 33 million population and about 3.4 million in the Diaspora, Morocco is expected to have a new constitution determined by Moroccans themselves if they so wish or other wise.

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