Nador – HM King Mohammed VI presided, on Monday in Nador, over a council of ministers, during which two draft organic laws were adopted on the House of Councilors and the election of local governments’ councils.
The two draft laws fall within the scope of the process of setting up and consolidating institutions provided for in the new Constitution of the Kingdom, especially with regard to the adoption of texts and ensuring legal guarantees, thus enhancing the great headway achieved in parliamentary and territorial democracy, HM the King’s office said in a statement.
In accordance with article 63 of the Constitution, the Council ratified the draft organic law on the House of Councilors, which sets out the electing bodies, and the number of its members, that is 120 according to the Constitution.
As part of reinforcing women’s representation within the House, the draft law provides for alternation between the two sexes. It also aims to rationalise electoral mandates by providing for incompatibility between one’s mandate as Councilor and government office or the presidency of a regional council.
In order to ensure the moralisation of elections, the draft law provides for using the national identity card as a unique document for participation in the vote. It also sets out the rules likely to guarantee transparency in the financing of electoral campaigns and to combat the phenomenon of seasonal party-switching, along with increasing fines and stiffening up imprisonment penalties for offenses committed during electoral operations.
The Council of Ministers also adopted the draft organic law on the election of members of local governments’ councils. The draft law provides, in particular, for the election of members of regional councils by direct universal suffrage and the banning of mixed candidature lists, as well as for a substantial increase in penalties for offenses committed during the election process.
While guaranteeing the right of Moroccans living abroad to participate in direct general elections in the country, the draft law sets up a new mechanism to enhance women’s representation in regional councils, out of keenness to ensure parity between men and women.
Last modification 10/03/2011 04:53 PM.
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