Abstract
Historically, Morocco experienced widespread political repression during the 1970s through to the early 1990s. Through its exploitations, the monarchy regime repressed any claims aimed at challenging its authoritarian form of public space and debate. Encouraged by the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, and the Arab Spring, young Moroccans began to organise extensive demonstrations across the country demanding that a more substantive democracy, social justice and an anti-corruption mechanism be put in place. The 20 February movement, named after the first demonstration held on that date in 2011, is a worthy illustration of one of the latest social movements characterised by a concentrated use of technology and their disseminated membership. King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful and the highest authority in Morocco, promised in a televised speech to introduce radical and genuine constitutional reforms that would democratise the country. This article describes the historical trajectory of the monarchy, the emergence and structuring of the 20 February movement and the neutralization strategy pursued by the monarchy in bringing about a constitutional change.
Highlights
King Hassan II’s first legislative act was to continue the path of his father, in that Morocco would continue to move towards a constitutional democracy
The various reforms that were implemented in the four constitutional revisions from 1962-1996 included the introduction of a directly elected lower house, the prohibition of torture, the emergence of participatory political party opposition, and the revising of the Personal Status Code (CPS) which improved the status of women in the sphere of family law
Despite numerous indications of King Mohammad VI departure from his predecessor’s autocratic style of governance he seems to be locked as a prisoner of the authoritarian system of governance that at times seemed unable to change. Another reason for the slow pace of reform was the fact that King Mohammad VI was still surrounded by the old guard of advisors, dignitaries, and high-ranking army officials who possessed significant power under King Hassan II still sitting at the same table
Summary
The year 1957 marks the breaking of shackles with the French, as Morocco gained its sovereignty and opted for a constitutional democracy with an elected parliament. Historically, Morocco experienced large-scale political repression during the 1970s through to the early 1990s.2 Subsequently, the political reform during the 1990s expanded parliamentary power in 1992 and 1996, and in 1996 a bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers was introduced. Sadly, the promise of enacting a series of reforms democratising the monarchy, was largely seen as being unfulfilled.. The year 1957 marks the breaking of shackles with the French, as Morocco gained its sovereignty and opted for a constitutional democracy with an elected parliament.. Morocco experienced large-scale political repression during the 1970s through to the early 1990s.2. The political reform during the 1990s expanded parliamentary power in 1992 and 1996, and in 1996 a bicameral legislature consisting of two chambers was introduced.. The promise of enacting a series of reforms democratising the monarchy, was largely seen as being unfulfilled.. The Arab Spring played a major role in Morocco, forcing the monarchy to implement fundamental values and revisiting its constitutional provisions and existing structures.. There can little or no doubt whatsoever that the February 20 Movement forced Morocco to address certain difficulties of transition into democracy from an internal perspective, and from an international perspective.
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