HM the King Addresses Message to Participants at Symposium Commemorating 60th Anniversary of Morocco’s First Elected Parliament

Here follows the full text of the Royal Message, read out by Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami.

« Praise be to God,

May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet, His Kith and Kin

Honourable Members of the House of Representatives and of the House of Councillors,

Ladies and gentlemen,

It gives me great pleasure to send this message to your national symposium, an event to which I have granted my high patronage and which commemorates the sixtieth anniversary of the Kingdom of Morocco’s first elected parliament.

The commemoration of this important event has three basic objectives. The first one is to remind current generations and young people of our national democratic and institutional record and of the reforms introduced through national consensus.

The second objective is to take stock of what our country has accomplished in the area of parliamentary work and highlight the status and role of the legislative power in the institutional, political and development-oriented reforms our country has witnessed throughout this past period in our contemporary history.

As for the third goal, it consists in foreseeing the future of the Moroccan political model with a view to consolidating the foundations of representative democracy and consecrating the principle of separation of powers to strengthen our institutional traditions, which are an integral part of our civilization.

As I am sure you know, the Moroccan parliamentary model is the result of a political vision which seeks the achievement of gradual and successive constitutional reforms. It also reflects a strong desire to ensure the participation of the nation’s active political, social and economic forces.

Indeed, we firmly believe that democracy is not a ready-made recipe; nor is it a model to be imported. Rather, democracy is a gradual, home-grown exercise that requires pluralism and diversity; it is the result of interaction with the domestic environment and with the particularities of each country, without compromising on the universal standards of representative democracy, whose foundations include free and fair elections, the multi-party system and alternation in the exercise of political power.

Ladies and gentlemen,

When Morocco regained its freedom and independence, my revered grandfather, His Majesty King Mohammed V – may God rest his soul – sought, together with the nation’s driving forces, to give the country a national advisory council, as a first step towards representative democracy. And during the reign of my venerable father, His Majesty King Hassan II – may he rest in peace – the wish of the hero of liberation, namely the establishment of an institution-based state, was fulfilled.

Shortly after the country’s independence, the Kingdom’s first constitution came into force. It set in place the characteristic features of a modern state, namely the citizens’ election of their representatives in various representative councils. Thus, the first bicameral parliament was elected in 1963, and our country, under the leadership of my revered father – may God bless his soul – started a new phase in its political and constitutional life. It confirmed the choices it made for itself with regard to the multi-party system, representative democracy, freedom of organization and political affiliation, and freedom of opinion and expression, at a time when single-party ideology predominated in many countries of the world.

Despite the profound changes which occurred at that time, the multi-party system was preserved, together with the uniqueness of the Moroccan model, thanks to the engagement of serious political parties championing various societal projects, as well as a vigilant civil society and independent trade union organizations. These elements combined set the stage for lively debates, which led to successive constitutional reforms in the 1970s and 1990s. Fundamental changes were thus introduced, making multi-party representation a deeply rooted practice in parliamentary life.

The last quarter of the twentieth century was decisive in completing the construction of the nation’s democratic system and of bodies that were elected at the national and local levels. The powers of national institutions were enhanced and major reforms became possible thanks to two important constitutional amendments introduced in 1992 and 1996.

This crucially important stage in the history of Morocco was essential in the process of institutional reform. One of its key features was the return, since 1996, to the bicameral parliamentary system, in which both chambers hold similar powers. The prerogatives of elected institutions were expanded, and the foundations of regionalization laid down.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Since I ascended the throne of my venerable ancestors, I have remained committed to the same approach and made sure major reforms in various political, social, economic and cultural fields are introduced.

Needless to say, the legislative institution was at the heart of these structural reforms, be it through the greater powers given to parliament, or the promotion of women’s representation. That representation grew steadily and significantly, in parliament as well as in various elected councils.

I saw to it that a set of far-reaching reforms be introduced. They culminated in the adoption of the 2011 Constitution. This advanced text made it possible to launch several structural reforms, thereby consecrating the exceptional nature of the Moroccan reform model. The legislative branch was at the heart of these reforms. Its powers were significantly increased, and the independence of the executive and judicial branches was enhanced.

Thus, parliament became the source of legislation, and the evaluation of public policies and the monitoring of government action were added to its powers.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Our country was a pioneer in enshrining participatory and citizen-based democracy in the Constitution, together with the roles of civil society and the right of male and female citizens to submit motions in the legislative field and petitions to public authorities. These measures are expected to enrich parliamentary work.

It is a matter of pride for us, in Morocco, that the participatory approach has always been a standard practice in the major reforms our country has witnessed at key moments in its history, which is particularly rich in achievements and accomplishments.

That methodology reflects yet another aspect of Moroccan democracy and its unique character. Having said that, the ultimate goal remains the consolidation of the rule of law and the promotion of the institution-based state through the separation of powers and the accountability of public office holders.

In the area of parliamentary diplomacy and foreign relations, we are pleased to note the contribution the Moroccan Parliament has been making in terms of defending our country’s interests and just causes – including that of our territorial integrity – and highlighting the various reforms and projects taking place in the Kingdom.

We also take pride in the fact that Moroccan parliamentary diplomacy has been playing a leading role in defending issues that are crucial for our African continent. These issues, which feature high among our foreign policy priorities, include questions relating to climate justice and food security, migration and peace, and Africa’s right to development and to using its resources and capabilities for the benefit of its peoples.

This policy is fully in line with the philosophy underpinning our diplomatic service, the foundations of which I set in place and which consist in non-interference in the internal affairs of countries, respecting their national and territorial integrity, contributing to maintaining peace and stability, and preventing and settling crises and conflicts by peaceful means.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Parliamentary work and the democratic nature of our representative institutions have significantly grown in maturity, whether with regard to prerogatives, practice, openness to civil society, organization and management of parliamentary work, or partnerships with other national parliaments.

Notwithstanding the accomplishments made, greater efforts are still needed to achieve the institutional, representative democracy which we want for our country, and which would be a credit to it.

Among the most significant challenges which have to be addressed to take parliamentary work to a new level, one can mention the need to prioritize the higher interests of the nation and of the citizens over narrow partisan considerations. Ethical standards in parliamentary life also need to be improved through the adoption of a binding code of ethics in both Houses. We also need to achieve harmony between representative democracy and participatory democracy, enhance the profile of parliamentary elites and of elected officials, and ensure greater access of women and young people to representative bodies.

Parallel to that, it is essential to underscore the crucial role of Parliament in disseminating democratic principles, upholding the rule of law, promoting a culture of participation and dialogue, and enhancing confidence in elected institutions.

These are all critical issues that need to be successfully addressed, notably in the context of the major reforms and large-scale projects currently being implemented in Morocco. They will no doubt be instrumental in achieving greater progress and prosperity for the benefit of the Moroccan people.

May Almighty God guide your steps and grant you every success.

Wassalamu alaikum warahmatullah wabarakatuh. »