Moroccan constitutional referendum, 2011
The Constitutional referendum in Morocco in 2011 was carried out on 1 July 2011 at the Kingdom of Morocco in response to the Arab Spring and confirmed with according to official figures, more than 98 percent of votes in small steps to relativize the reign of King Mohammed VI .. Foreign observers described the vote as a sham. The Moroccan opposition movement, whose demonstrations had triggered the announcement of the constitutional amendments in March 2011, had called for a boycott of the vote. The new constitution entered into force on 30 July 2011.
Changes
The constitutional amendments adopted with the vote in detail:
- In addition to the Arab now is Tamazight, the Berber language, official language. Article 5 of the revised Constitution calls them " the common heritage of all Moroccans without exception." In the same article it is established as a function of the State to preserve Hassaniya as part of the cultural identity of Morocco. Also, the state is obliged to protect all other local dialects and expressions.
- The king is no longer "sacred" but his integrity is inviolable (Article 46).
- The King shall appoint a prime minister from the party that received the most seats in parliament in elections. Previously, he was completely free in his choice.
- The prime minister will have the right to ask the king the dismissal of a minister. Previously this was the exclusive right of the king. These and the previously mentioned change standing are laid down in Article 47.
- No longer the king, but the Premier appoints high administrative and diplomatic mail carrier (Ambassador, among other things, managing state-owned enterprises and provincial governors ). He does this in consultation with the Council of Ministers. (Articles 49 and 91)
- Parliament receives some additional rights. So it may adopt, for example, a general amnesty, which was previously only possible to the King (Article 71 ).
- Judiciary and executive should be separated (Article 107).
- The Constitution guarantees the civil and social equality of women and men. Previously, only of political equality as well as equality before the law of the question.
- As head of government, the Prime Minister will have the right to dissolve parliament.
- For all citizens enshrined the freedom of thought, ideas and art.
None of these changes altered the central position of the monarch in the power structure of Morocco, which continues to determine also the country's politics.