Political Culture and Institutions of Morocco - Coursework Example

Morocco Introduction The Kingdom of Morocco is the country located in North Africa. In the was brought in the spotlight at the international level, since it supported the revolutionary riots which had broken out in many regions of the Arab World (“Morocco”). After the protests on February 20, 2011 the elections to the parliament were held. They proved to be an initial and important step towards the country’s democracy and brought great changes in the political institutions and the Constitution of Morocco (“Morocco”). The purpose of this paper is to analyze the political system and culture of the Moroccan Kingdom. Further, the paper will present its political institutions and certain interesting laws of the country. Also, it will highlight the current debates which have a profound impact on the political and social field in the country. Political System Political Structure Morocco is Muslim hereditary constitutional monarchy which claims to have basic features of democracy. Starting from 23rd of July, 1999 when King Mohammed VI came to power after the death of his father, King Hassan II, the country has experienced much alteration in different spheres of life, including fundamental transformation of its political system (El-Maarouf et al. 257). According to the Constitution which was adopted in 1962 and modified for several times in the following years, the king remains the supreme leader of the kingdom who is granted most of the powers in governing the country. Despite the division of the government into executive, legislative and judicial brances and attempts to create a decentralized country, Morocco hasn’t yet developed an effective system of checks and balances which would control and limit to some extent the extreme authority of the king like in Western countries (El-Maarouf et al. 257-258). Political Culture Basically, political culture shows the attitude of the citizens toward the politics in their country. In Morocco the nation is kind of divided into two groups according to people’s point of view about the power (Boutayeb). One people are traditionalists and believe in the legitimacy of the monarchy and the king’s divine right to govern. Others acknowledge the traditions but also point at the legal element of the power in Morocco. They consider the power to be legal if it is based on the regulations and principles of the Constitution, elections and political organizations (Boutayeb). Constitution Since 1956 when Morocco became independent from France, its Constitution has been profoundly reformed for six times in 1962, 1970, 1972, 1992, 1996 and 2011. Moreover, the text of the Constitution was amended in 1972, 1992 and 1996 (“Constitution”). The Constitution adopted in 2011 is claimed to be an important step towards the country’s democracy. The new text touches upon such issues of national concern as: democratic and clear constitution which serves for the benefit of the Moroccan people; the constitutional supremacy; division of power determined by monarchical reign, social, democratic and parliamentary groundwork; the judicial system which guarantees the rule of law, the basic rights of the citizens; the state sovereignty; plural identity of Morocco and official languages issue; efficient leadership of the country (“Constitution”). One of the major tasks of the Constitution is to protect and ensure the fundamental freedoms of Moroccan such as: freedom of opinion and the ability to express it freely, freedom of movement around the country, freedom of public association and choice of the political party or group. It provides the equality of all men and women in all spheres of life, particularly in education, voting and employment (El-Maarouf et al. 257-258). However, in reality not all these laws are faithfully executed. For instance, the freedom of assembly and press is considerably limited and not allowed entirely. In addition, the criticism of the king’s ruling, religion and state is strongly unacceptable (Ottaway). As for political unions, parties and trade chambers in Morocco, their main function is to represent Moroccan people. In fact, they do play any important role or have great influence on the state of affairs in the country, as all the power is concentrated in the hands of the king (El-Maarouf et al. 257-258). State of Democracy in Morocco Morocco is considered itself to be a powerful democracy. It is proved by the fact that the wave of gory revolutions and protests which were called Arab Spring, since they had broken out in such countries as Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Kuwait, Algeria, Israel and so on, didn’t affect significantly the political situation in Morocco (“Morocco”). The King Mohammed VI had acted in response to Moroccan people’s desire of democracy and had brought into effect several reforms in economy and politics long before the riots in the Arab World began. First of all, he supported and paid compensation to the victims of his father’s aggression. Second, he made an attempt to hold fair and free of corruption parliamentary elections. Besides, the government is developing programs to encourage people’s entering the higher educational establishments and to involve women in politics (El-Maarouf et al. 258). However, it is necessary to mention about the Social Movement on February, 20 2011. The Protestants demanded guaranty of the people’s equality regardless of gender, strong actions against the corruption in government organizations, security of human fundamental freedoms and women’s right to participate in the political process of the country and be represented in the parliament and religious authority (“Morocco”). The government tried to change the situation with women rights in the country and introduce certain changes to the Constitution (El-Haitami). As a result, Bassima Hakkaoui became the first woman in the history of the country who had been appointed to the post of the Ministry of Solidarity, Women, Family, and Social Development. This event influenced significantly the status of woman in the Islamic country and brought social reforms concerning the family laws (El-Haitami). Despite the significant contribution to gradual establishment of the democratic government system made by Mohammed VI, the democracy in Morocco is not similar to that of the European countries, due to the absence of the efficient system of checks and balances. Besides, the essential part of the transformation of the monarchy regime is introducing changes not only in the political organizations, but also in economic, social, educational, religious and medical institutions which should be reformed and reinforced in order to function effectively and transparently for the good of the Moroccan citizens (El-Maarouf et al. 258). Another reform which should be carried out, since it is essential sign of any democratic state, is ensuring freedom of press and speech. The media should be unbiased and fulfill their duties informing the public about the work of government and other political institutions without being afraid of further violation of their rights and prosecution (Boutayeb). Political Institutions Government The Kingdom of Morocco established its monarchy grounding on the systems of civil law in Spain and France after becoming independent. The state government is represented by three branches of power: legislative, executive and judicial (El-Maarouf et al. 258-260). The local government is divided into numerous levels which are governed by the Ministry of the Interior. There are 16 regions which include different provinces and districts under the government of a prefect (Swearingen). They are all under control of a governor assigned by the king. These provinces and prefectures comprise municipalities and country districts ruled by chefs de cercle (Swearingen). The next level is represented by autonomic city centers and rural communes controlled by pashas and caids. Both the Ministry of Interior and the governors can designate government officials of lower rank. At the each level of the government there are special institutions which are responsible for considering local issues concerning budget, development of the region, etc (Swearingen). Executive Branch The executive branch of power is represented by the head of the state, the king, and a council of ministers. The post of the king is inherited and occupied by the king, who is considered to be sacrosanct and divine, for the whole life (“State Structure”). The king serves as the Supreme Representative of the country who ensures its stability, oversees that the laws of the Constitution and Islam are carefully executed and defends the rights of the Moroccan people (El-Maarouf et al. 259). He is the Commander-in-chief of the army and the guarantor of the state’s integrity and independence. The king is empowered to assign the Prime Minister and other officials, governs the Council of Ministers, the Higher Educational Council and the Higher Judicial Council. He is also entitled to organize elections and to dissolve the parliament (“State Structure”). Legislative Branch Since 1996 when the constitution was changed, the parliament has become bicameral and divided into two houses: the Assembly of Councillors and the Assembly of Representatives. The contemporary membership of the Assembly of Representatives is 325 people who are elected by direct vote for the term of five years. The total number of the councilors is 270. They are also elected by direct vote of regional and local councils for the term of three years (“State Structure”). The parliament’s authority is restricted despite being strengthened by the changes in constitution in 1992. It is empowered to draft laws, to determine the budget, to call the work of ministers into question and summon research committees. The parliament has also the power to impeach the government (El-Maarouf et al. 259). Judicial Branch The judicial branch is represented by the Supreme Court of Judges which oversees the whole legal system including courts of appeal, magistrate’s courts, regional tribunals and the courts of first instance (El-Maarouf et al. 259). The Supreme Court consists of five chambers, such as civil law, constitutional law, administrative law, criminal and social laws. The king appoints all the judges and the Ministry of Justice controls their work (El-Maarouf et al. 259). Theoretically, the legal system is still based on the laws of Quran. It is effectively used by the judges of Islamic religious groups and restricted to issues concerning personal and social position of Muslims (“The United Kingdom of Morocco”). The Advisory Council of Human Rights and the Constitutional Council The Advisory Council of Human Rights was formed on May, 1990. Its major function is to strengthen the State of law and to ensure security of human rights. The Council is governed by the king and the total number of its members is 37 including 5 ministers, representatives from trade unions, political parties and different associations concerning human freedoms (El-Maarouf et al. 260-262). The Constitutional Council was set up on March, 1994. It includes the President of the Council, four people appointed by the head of the country for a term of six years and four people assigned by the Speaker of the Assembly of Representatives (“State Structure”). The institution is empowered to regulate the election process to the Assembly of Representatives, organization of referendums and check whether the laws and the bills conform to the Constitution (“State Structure”). Political Parties The Kingdom of Morocco has a stable and well-organized multiparty system. There are 11 main parties: Constitutional Union, Popular Movement, National Rally of Independents, Socialist Union of Popular Forces, Democratic Party for Independence, National Popular Movement, Party for Progress and Socialism, Party of Action, National Democrat Party, Istiqlal Party and Organization of Democratic and Popular Action. Istiqlal Party is the largest party which supports (“Morocco: Politics, government, and taxation”). Interesting Laws in Morocco Religion The state religion in the Kingdom of Morocco is Islam. That is why it is prohibited to bring into country bible translated in Arabic and try to spread literature concerning non-Muslim religions. Women should dress appropriately avoiding wearing outrageous clothes which can be considered as disrespectful to the traditions and laws of the country (“Laws in Morocco”; “The United Kingdom of Morocco”). Relationships Sexual affairs without marriage are strongly forbidden and punished by family law. Besides, homosexuality is considered to be a crime in Morocco (“Laws in Morocco”; “The United Kingdom of Morocco”). Drugs The illegal trafficking and possession of drugs even in small quantity is strictly punished. A person who is caught with drugs is incarcerated for 10 years without the cancellation of a penalty for appropriate behavior; his or her transport is seized and hefty fines are imposed (“Laws in Morocco”). Current Debates in the Country There are certain major issues in the country which have been causing intense debates at the political and social levels for a long time. First of all, they concern the identity of the Moroccan Kingdom: whether it should be considered a Muslim state or acknowledge officially the language of the Berber minority, Amazigh (Ottaway). This problem aroused due to the great controversies between the civil organizations and Islamic parties. The former claim, that the rights of the minority are violated, since the Constitution considers Morocco to be Islamic state and doesn’t take into account people who practice different religion. The Islamist organizations do not agree with such opinion and point out at the articles of Constitution concerning freedom of conscience. However, in the new amendments to the Constitution Amazigh is recognized as national language. It also indicates the plural identity of the country (Ottaway). Moreover, serious discussion is still going on in Morocco about the role of women in the religious and political life of the country. Female part of the Moroccan population fights actively for their human rights to be protected (“Morocco”). Despite of the fact that all people are given the rights to be educated and employed, to protest and to have their own possessions, the real state of things in the country is different. Particularly, it concerns women (El-Haitami). Their participation and work in the legislative branch of the government and in religious sphere is extremely limited. Though, the King has responded to the problem and assigned women as royal counselors and heads of the departments, it is only an initial step in solving this problem (El-Haitami). Other heated debates concern the authority of the king which is really immense. The current situation in Morocco proves that the country cannot become a democratic constitutional monarchy when almost all power is concentrated in the hands of one person (Akrout). That is why, in the new Constitution certain changes were carried into effect in order to limit somehow the king’s powers. For instance, the king cannot appoint the prime minister according to his wish and should accept the results of the elections of the president of the government (“Morocco”). The king will no longer govern the work of the Cabinet except the cases of emergency regarding security of the country. Besides, the Constitution grants broader power to the parliament which is now entitled to adopt laws concerning almost every aspect of life and ensures the independence of the judicial branch (Akrout). Conclusion To conclude, the Kingdom of Morocco experiences now significant changes in different spheres of life, particularly in its political system. The form of government remains the hereditary monarch, but the power is now divided between 3 branches: executive, legislative and judicial. Furthermore, the new Constitution limits to some extent the authority of the king and provides greater powers for the parliament and other institutions. Despite the current debates and difficulties on the country’s way towards establishing democracy, Morocco has the bright future. All the problems in the state can be tackled with the help of efficient work of the government and wise ruling of the king. Only then it is possible to create peaceful and healthy society. 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Web. 21 Nov. 2014. “State Structure.” africa.upenn.edu, 2014. Web. 21 Nov. 2014. Swearingen, Will D. “Morocco.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 21 Nov. 2014. “The United Kingdom of Morocco.” www.everyculture.com, 2014. Web. 21 Nov. 2014. Read More