Morocco
Morocco performs at the mid-range level across all categories of the Global State of Democracy framework. It is amongst the world’s bottom 25 per cent of countries with regard to Local Democracy, Freedom of Religion and Electoral Participation. Over the last five years, it has experienced notable declines in performance levels for Freedom of Expression. Morocco's economy is diversified, with strong mining and manufacturing industries, including phosphates, textile, and automotive sectors. Natural disasters, such as drought and earthquakes, have had negative impacts on agriculture and tourism. High rates of (youth) unemployment drive migration to Europe, resulting in significant diaspora remittances.
Moroccan politics are principally driven by ethnic and religious divides and calls for institutional reforms. Despite most Moroccans’ mixed ethnic heritage, there are divisions between the two main population groups, the Arab and Imazighen (Berber) people. Reforms in the early 2000s, which guaranteed land and linguistic rights to the Imazighen people, were a step toward reducing, but not eliminating, historical discrimination. In a country where over 99 percent of the population is Sunni Muslim and the monarchy’s authority derives its claimed descent from the Prophet Mohammed, another central cleavage is between Islamists and secularists. Despite occasional instances of physical violence, these groups generally cooperate in politics.
However, conservative religious attitudes in government have resulted in Morocco’s failure to translate gender equity laws into social practice, and to repeal restrictions on LGBTQIA+ rights. Despite notable progress in Gender Equality in the last two decades, high rates of gender-based violence, male dominance in financial decision making, and underrepresentation of women in elected office persist. Despite consultations in 2015 to ease strict abortion law, it remains criminalized, negatively impacting women’s reproductive health.
Moroccan civil society has long called for institutional reform. The Equity and Reconciliation Commission was established in 2004 to redress human rights violations committed since independence until 1999, including the ‘Years of Lead’—a period of state-sponsored violence toward dissidents. While the recommended institutional reforms were not implemented then, demands for structural changes re-emerged in the Arab Spring of 2011 with the “February 20” movement, culminating in the adoption of a new constitution. Other efforts, such as decentralization and judicial system reforms, have faced challenges. Socioeconomic inequalities have also persisted, triggering renewed protests in 2016 in the Rif region. Repressive tactics, such as restricted freedom of speech and intimidation of journalists, have continued as a way to control the public space.
Looking ahead, it will be important to watch Rights, particularly as the state continues censoring speech, limiting expression, and restricting sexual rights. The prospects for democratization in Morocco also lie with the advancement devolution of powers, something that continues to be at the heart of calls for reform.
Last Updated: June 2024
https://www.idea.int/democracytracker/
February 2025
New strike law triggers first general strike in a decade
On 5 February, a new law regulating the right to strike was passed by parliament. The law introduces conditions for organizing and participating in strikes including, among others, advance notice requirements, minimum service levels in essential sectors, and the possibility of fines and administrative penalties for those who fail to comply. Labor unions strongly criticized the law, claiming that it undermines workers' rights. In protest, major unions organized a nationwide strike on 5 and 6 February, the first general strike in a decade. This drew significant participation across key sectors, including transport, healthcare, and education. Unions reports indicated that over 80.0 percent of workers took part, although the figures reported by the government showed lower levels of participation – 32.0 per cent among public sector workers and 1.4 percent in the private sector. Rising living costs were also cited as a major concern driving the strike.
Sources: Barlaman Today, Morocco World News, British Broadcasting Corporation Arabic, The North Africa Post, The North Africa Post (2)
December 2024
Government presents proposal to reform Family Code
On 24 December, the government proposed a reform of the Family Code (Mudawana) which, if enacted, will improve women's rights in marriage, divorce, and inheritance. Coming after years of consultations, this would be the first major revision of the code in 20 years, introducing over 100 amendments. Key proposed changes include raising the legal marriage age from 15 to 17, shared parental guardianship, divorced mothers retaining custody after remarriage, and requiring a wife’s consent for polygamy. Other proposals include simplifying divorce procedures, recognizing wives' contributions to marital assets, and giving parents the right to donate assets to female heirs. The amendments, approved by the Higher Council of Ulemas (the country’s highest religious authority), are now awaiting parliamentary and royal approval, with the legal text still being drafted.
Sources: La Quotidienne, Morocco World News, The New Arab, Le Matin
July 2024
Parliament approves introduction of new Code of Ethics
In July, both chambers of the Moroccan Parliament approved an amendment to their internal regulations, introducing a mandatory Code of Ethics for parliamentarians. This comes after an increasing number of MPs face legal scrutiny due to corruption allegations. The Code requires MPs to act with integrity, disclose conflicts of interest and gifts, and follow established guidelines. Parliamentarians will be required to sign a sworn declaration affirming their commitment to these standards. An Ethics Commission will be created to oversee adherence to the Code and increase public confidence in elected bodies. This Commission will include four members—two from the majority and two from the opposition—who will monitor and report on potential violations. The revised Code also introduces new rules for maintaining respect during oral question sessions and outlines additional guidelines for parliamentary conduct. The final version of the Code is expected to be submitted to the Constitutional Court by November for adoption.
Sources: Chambre des Représentants, Agence Marocaine de Presse (1), Agence Marocaine de Presse (2), Le 360, Aujourd'hui Le Maroc, Barlaman Today
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Global ranking per category of democratic performance in 2023
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Performance by category over the last 6 months
Global State of Democracy Indices
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Factors of Democratic Performance Over Time
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