Inter- and intra-party relations in the formation of the Benkirane coalition governments in Morocco

Abstract

This article analyses inter- and intra-party relations in the formation of coalition governments in Morocco after the elections held in November 2011, and presided over by Abdelilah Benkirane. Although coalition theory has been applied in democratic contexts, we consider that the study of government coalitions, and in particular of party relations, is also important in hybrid political systems, in which there is significant room for political competition and participation. The methodology of the study is principally based on interviews carried out with members of the Moroccan Government, among them the Head of Government, and also with leaders and members of the parties in the government coalition and in opposition. The comments of these actors are discussed with reference to the academic literature. The results of the research show that despite the limits on democracy in Morocco, there are important interactions between the political parties, which can be seen in the form of alliances, consensus building, the distribution of power, and splits. In this political manoeuvring, ideology plays a secondary role. The context of the Arab Spring does not affect the coalition building, even though the national interest is found in the parties' political discourse for justifying their entry to the government. Thus, the most significant aspect of participation in Government is the acquisition of power and party's strategic interests. Looking at internal party dynamics, we also see that internal factors affect decisions as to whether to participate in government or not. Lastly, despite the reforms carried out in the wake of the Arab Spring, Mohammed VI continues to exert his influence on the formation of the Government. Nevertheless, the parties participating in the government coalition show their acceptance of the current rules of the political system, in which a significant executive role is reserved for the Monarchy.