Moroccan monarch keeps extensive rights to control political activities
Morocco, Politics, 11/17/1997

For the first time in the history of Morocco, the election started as a result of the political initiative by the Moroccan monarch to strengthen the democratic system in the country. This was displayed through allowing Islamic nominees in the Parliamentary election for the first time.

Experts described this election as the peak of a calculated process to move toward democracy which had been prepared by the Moroccan monarch, King Hassan II, in order to give an opportunity to the opposition to participate in the government, but this initiative did not limit his control of the political stage. A constitutional modification was decreed last year which removed the obstacles before the participation of the opposition in the government.

The four opposition parties forming the coalition will share in the government if they cannot form the government alone.

The Moroccan Monarch still keeps extensive rights which allows him to control the political activities, as he has the right to sack or appoint the Prime Minister. The powerful Minister of Interior, Idris Al Basry, is expected to be appointed Prime Minister. Al Basry promised that the upcoming election will be a free and honorable election.

On the other hand, the Islamic nominees who are members of the moderate Reform Movement which participated in the elections for the first time, confirmed that they expect their victory and that they are seeking this to encourage the country to respect the Islamic values.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan elections tied   (11/15/1997)
  Heavy participation in Moroccan election   (11/15/1997)
  Moroccan-Algerian relations improve despite obstacles   (11/5/1997)

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