Morocco
Fundamental information for understanding the state of political reform in Morocco
Prospects for Political Reform
» Morocco Update: The Latest
King Mohammed VI asked Justice Minister, Abdelwahed Radi, to keep his cabinet position yesterday, in spite of Radi’s promise to vacate the post if elected USFP Secretary General. During their meeting, Radi also presented to the King his new plan for reforming the justice system.
US Assistant Secretary of State for Near East Affairs, David Welch, commented that the Moroccan proposal of autonomy for the Western Sahara is the “most likely situation” to solving the dispute. He said such a proposal was “serious” and addresses the “interests of the Saharan people.” This comes days after Human Rights Watch released a major report on the state of human rights in the Western Sahara and the Polisario camps in Algeria.
Le Soir Echo (print only) reported that six politicians, who are on trial for their involvement in the Belliraj terrorism case, wrote a letter to US President-elect Barack Obama congratulating him on his victory. Although they did not reference their trial, they did urge Obama to hold true on his promise of bringing about change in the world.
» From The POMED Wire
Political Islam at a Crossroads
[Dec 15] The Carnegie Endowment has a new paper out by Marina Ottaway and Amr Hamzawy titled “Islamists in Politics: The Dynamics of Participation”. In it,…
POMED Notes: Who Will the Millennium Challenge Corporation Choose?
[Dec 4] On Tuesday December 2nd, the Center for Global Development’s Senior Fellow Steve Radelet held a talk entitled, “Which Countries Will the Millennium Challenge Corporation…
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The State of Political Reform
Political Parties and Participation
- Modern Politics or the Politics of Modernity?
Arab Reform Bulletin, December 2008 - Morocco: MAD about Renewal or Reform?
Arab Reform Bulletin, June 2008 - Fighting on Two Fronts: Secular Parties in the Arab World
Carnegie Endowment, May 2007 - more »
Human Rights
- Human Rights in Western Sahara and in the Tindouf Refugee Camps
Human Rights Watch, December 2008 - Morocco Country Page
Freedom House - Morocco Report
Amnesty International, 2008 - more »
Elections
- Voter Apathy in the September 2007 Moroccan Elections
The People's Mirror and NDI, June 2008 - Final Report on the Moroccan Legislative Elections
National Democratic Institute, September 2007 - Moroccan Roulette: What Happens if You Hold an Election and Nobody Comes
Brookings Institution, September 2007 - more »
Press Freedom
- Morocco: Drop Criminal Charges Against Rights Defender, Journalist
Human Rights Watch, July 2008 - The Moroccan Facade
Committee to Protect Journalists, July 2007 - Comparative Report on the State of Media in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco
International Foundation for Electoral Systems, May 2007 - more »
Political Institutions
- Incumbent Regimes and the “King’s Dilemma” in the Arab World: Promise and Threat of Managed Reform
Carnegie Endowment, December 2007 - Morocco: Pluralism without Power?
Democracy Digest, May 2007 - Rethinking the Moroccan Parliament: The Kingdom's Legislative Development Imperative
Journal of North African Studies, March 2007 - more »
U.S. Democracy Promotion Policy
Legislation
For an overview of U.S. legislation relating to political reform in Morocco, see the Congressional Policy and Foreign Assistance section of the Morocco backgrounder
H.R. 2764 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2008 (Summary | Full Text | POMED Analysis)
H.R. 2601 [109th]: Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007
(Summary | Full Text)
Congressional Hearings
The Committee to Protect Journalists and Honorary Co-Hosts Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Rep. Mike Pence (R-IN), Co-Chairs, Congressional Caucus for Freedom of the Press hosted a presentation and discussion by journalist Aboubakr Jamai (POMED Summary)
Assistance Programs
- Millenium Challenge Corporation
Morocco Country Page - USAID Democracy and Governance Programs
Morocco Country Page - MEPI in Morocco
The Middle East Partnership Initiative regional website
Public Statements
U.S. Ambassador to Morocco Thomas Riley, Statement on 2007 Human Rights Report, 3/11/08: “The U.S. Government vigorously promotes the cause of human rights as a core component of our foreign policy. This is based on a belief that a democratic system that includes free and fair elections; accountable and representative government institutions; and vibrant, independent civil society, political parties, NGOS, and free media, is the best guarantor of human rights. In
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State Department Statement Congratulating Morocco for Free and Fare Elections, 9/10/07: “Reports indicate the elections met international standards. We see the elections as another step forward for Morocco and we support the Moroccan people as they build a more democratic, representative government.”
Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes, Press Conference at Sidi Moumen Sports Complex in Casablanca, Morocco, 6/04/06: Comments on Morocco’s progresss in reforms and the strength of the U.S.-Morocco relationship. “Morocco has been at the forefront of a number of democratic reforms in the region. Whether it be from the reforms that the King is implementing, to reforms in granting greater rights for women, so Morocco I think has a real leadership role to play throughout the Arab and wider Islamic world. Morocco and my country also have a very special partnership. And as I just reminded the young women here, Morocco was the very first country to recognize my country. So I am happy to be here. And to celebrate our long friendship as we continue to learn from each other.”
Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN), Speaking at an Event Marking the Release of Prisoners ofthe Western Sahara Conflict in Tetouan, Morocco, 8/19/05: ”Morocco is a model of reform in the region. The passage last year of the new family code that protects the rights of women was not just a landmark event for Morocco, but a shining example of government-led reform supported by civil society for all countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. The United States looks to Morocco as a reform leader in the region. Reform will secure longterm stability and prosperity in the region and remains a priority for the United States and all of the members of the G-8.”
