King Hassan receives constitutional council members

King Hassan II on Tuesday received members of the new Constitutional Council, created by virtue of article 78 of the Constitution.

The 12-member council is chaired by a university professor, Abdelaziz Benjelloun, and includes a woman. Six members of the council are appointed by the king and the remaining six members are appointed by the parliament.

Addressing the council members, King Hassan II said the council's mission will be to examine laws from a constitutional viewpoint and give opinions on what is allowed and what is not allowed.

Under Article 78 of the constitution, the Constitutional Council shall be made up of six members appointed by the king for nine years, three members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and three members by the Speaker of the Chamber of Advisors after consultation with the parliamentary groups.

The six members appointed by the parliament shall also assume a nine-year term. Two thirds of the members in each category shall be renewed every three years.