RABAT: Morocco’s pro-reform February 20 Movement Wednesday urged a boycott of the constitutional referendum proposed by King Mohammad VI and called for nationwide protests. “We call for a boycott of this draft constitution which we reject,” the youth-based group said in a statement on its Facebook page, restating its demands for “dignity, democracy and social justice by peaceful means.” It called for peaceful protest demonstrations in several cities Sunday. “We call on citizens to rally peacefully across Morocco to protest against this plan which does not meet the conditions of a democratic constitution,” it added.
The Moroccan News Agency stated that national political organizations will carry out regular meetings during this referendum campaign, in various regions throughout the country in order to explain the constitution’s content, take a stand, and mobilize the citizens into referendum participation.
It pointed out that article 112 of the electoral law states that only political parties and founding unions are entitled to take part in the referendum in their legal quality, as for the article 113 it defines the legal framework for the meetings that will be held during the campaign while article 114 stipulates that the local administrative authority in each constituency will consecrate places for referendum-related posters.
In a speech to Parliament Friday, King Mohammad VI proposed to devolve some of his wide-ranging political powers to the prime minister and Parliament, among other changes. Under the new draft constitution to be put to a referendum on July 1, the king would remain head of state and the military and still appoint ambassadors and diplomats, while retaining the right to name top officials of unspecified “strategic” administrations.
Most political parties have reacted favorably to the proposed reforms, which would boost the powers of the prime minister while preserving the king’s pivotal political and religious role. Campaigning for the referendum kicked off Tuesday and will end on June 30. Communications Minister Khalid Naciri said that all political parties participating in the referendum will be able to speak freely to state-owned media outlets. Most political parties have urged a “yes” vote. But three leftist parties have called for a boycott.
The February 20 Movement, which was inspired by popular uprisings that toppled the leaders of Tunisia and Egypt, was named after the date of Morocco’s first nationwide protest in a series of demonstrations this year. After the February 20 protests, the king pledged major reforms including a strengthening of the independence of the judiciary and separation of the government and royal house.
|