Rabat – Morocco was a pioneer in enshrining participatory and citizen-based democracy in the Constitution, together with the roles of civil society, His Majesty King Mohammed VI said, emphasizing “the participatory approach has always been a standard practice in the major reforms our country has witnessed at key moments in its history, which is particularly rich in achievements and accomplishments.”
The ultimate goal of this methodology, which reflects yet another aspect of Moroccan democracy and its unique character, remains the consolidation of the rule of law and the promotion of the institution-based state through the separation of powers and the accountability of public office holders, stressed the Sovereign in a Message addressed to participants at the symposium commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Kingdom of Morocco’s first elected parliament, which kicked off Wednesday in Rabat.
The Kingdom was also pioneer in enshrining ‘the right of male and female citizens to submit motions in the legislati
ve field and petitions to public authorities,’ said the Sovereign in the Message, read out by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami, noting that ‘these measures are expected to enrich parliamentary work.’
‘The Moroccan parliamentary model is the result of a political vision which seeks the achievement of gradual and successive constitutional reforms. It also reflects a strong desire to ensure the participation of the nation’s active political, social and economic forces,’ added His Majesty the King.
This vision, explained the Sovereign, stems from a premise that sees democracy as not a ready-made recipe, nor a model to be imported, but rather as a gradual, home-grown exercise that requires pluralism and diversity.
HM the King took the opportunity to highlight the efforts made by Morocco since independence to consolidate representative democracy, which began with the involvement of the Nation’s living forces in the establishment of a National Advisory Council by the late HM King Moh
ammed V, the establishment of an institution-based state by late HM King Hassan II, while confirming the choices Morocco made for itself with regard to the multi-party system, representative democracy, freedom of organization and political affiliation, and freedom of opinion and expression, ‘at a time when single-party ideology predominated in many countries of the world.’
Despite the profound changes which occurred at that time, the multi-party system was preserved, together with the uniqueness of the Moroccan model, thanks to the engagement of serious political parties championing various societal projects, as well as a vigilant civil society and independent trade union organizations, underlined His Majesty the King.
The Sovereign also stressed that the last quarter of the twentieth century was decisive in completing the construction of the nation’s democratic system and of bodies that were elected at the national and local levels, as the powers of national institutions were enhanced and major reforms bec
ame possible thanks to two important constitutional amendments introduced in 1992 and 1996, the return, since 1996, to the bicameral parliamentary system, the expansion of the prerogatives of elected institutions, in addition to laying down the foundations of regionalization.
The Sovereign affirmed that, since His Accession to the Throne of His Venerable Ancestors, He remained committed to the same approach and made sure major reforms in various political, social, economic and cultural fields are introduced.
The legislative institution was at the heart of these structural reforms, be it through the greater powers given to parliament, or the promotion of women’s representation which grew steadily and significantly, in parliament as well as in various elected councils, the Sovereign insisted in this Message, citing the implementation of a set of far-reaching reforms, culminating in the adoption of the 2011 Constitution which made it possible to launch several structural reforms, thereby consecrating the excep
tional nature of the Moroccan reform model.
The Sovereign also noted that the parliament became the source of legislation, and the evaluation of public policies and the monitoring of government action were added to its powers.
His Majesty the King also said that parliamentary work and the democratic nature of the representative institutions have significantly grown in maturity, whether with regard to prerogatives and practice.
The Sovereign underscored the crucial role of Parliament in disseminating democratic principles, upholding the rule of law, promoting a culture of participation and dialogue, and enhancing confidence in elected institutions.
In this respect, His Majesty the King said He is pleased to note the contribution the Moroccan Parliament has been making in terms of defending the country’s interests and just causes – including that of our territorial integrity – and highlighting the various reforms and projects taking place in the Kingdom.
‘We also take pride in the fact that Moroccan parlia
mentary diplomacy has been playing a leading role in defending issues that are crucial for our African continent,’ underlined the Sovereign, adding that these issues ‘feature high among our foreign policy priorities.’
HM the King also said that ‘this policy is fully in line with the philosophy underpinning our diplomatic service, the foundations of which I set in place and which consist in non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, respecting their national and territorial integrity, contributing to maintaining peace and stability, and preventing and settling crises and conflicts by peaceful means.’
Notwithstanding the accomplishments made, greater efforts are still needed ‘to achieve the institutional, representative democracy which we want for our country, and which would be a credit to it,’ stressed HM the King, mentioning in this regard the most significant challenges which have to be addressed, notably the need to prioritize the higher interests of the nation and of the citizens over narrow
partisan considerations and to improve ethical standards in parliamentary life through the adoption of a binding code of ethics in both Houses.
The Sovereign also stressed the need to achieve harmony between representative democracy and participatory democracy, enhance the profile of parliamentary elites and of elected officials, and ensure greater access of women and young people to representative bodies.
‘These are all critical issues that need to be successfully addressed, notably in the context of the major reforms and large-scale projects currently being implemented in Morocco. They will no doubt be instrumental in achieving greater progress and prosperity for the benefit of the Moroccan people,’ said the Sovereign.
Source: Agency Morocaine De Presse