Morocco: Constitutional evolution and electoral judicial history

A historical and legal review of Morocco’s governmental and electoral evolution highlights the shifting constitutional role of the executive branch and the complexities of judicial oversight in elections.

Since 1955, Morocco has seen 34 governments. The 2011 Constitution introduced significant changes, granting the King the power to appoint the Head of Government from the party leading the House of Representatives elections. The Head of Government now exercises executive power, presides over the Council of Government, and proposes strategic appointments.

In the realm of electoral law, historical judicial decisions illustrate the challenges of maintaining democratic integrity. A notable case from the 2007 legislative elections involved a legal battle in Marrakech’s ‘Gueliz-Palmeraie’ district. Candidate Abdessamad Belkebir challenged the election results, alleging threats with weapons, voter intimidation, and the distribution of money. While the Constitutional Council did not find sufficient evidence to uphold all of Belkebir’s claims, it did annul the election of competitor Abdallah Rafouch due to proven practices of voter inducement.