Leading Moroccan Activist Offers Insight on His Country’s Historic Elections, Why Morocco is America’s Most Important Ally in the Region and the Prospects for Democratic Reform in the Middle East, Dr. Ahmed Herzenni, a former political prisoner accused of
Published: Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011 – 7:08 am
WASHINGTON, Nov. 23, 2011 — /PRNewswire/ — Dr. Ahmed Herzenni, who was imprisoned for over 12 years for treason (advocating democratic reform) and then given amnesty and appointed President of the Moroccan Advisory Council on Human Rights, is also one of the 19 members of the Citizens Committee which drafted Morocco’s new constitution earlier this year. Dr. Herzenni this week met with government officials, academics, and major think tanks to discuss Morocco’s path towards democratization and the historic reforms embodied in his country’s new constitution. These include the transfer of the role and responsibility of Head of State from the King to a new, freely elected Prime Minister; parity for women in a new equal rights amendment; protection of all religions under law (a first for any Arab state); an independent judiciary; and dispersal of power from the central government to Morocco’s regional provinces. Dr. Herzenni also offered his perspective on the prospects for reform and constitutional change in other Arab states in transition, but suggested that the reform process, not the actual constitutional reforms in Morocco would likely serve as an example for other Arab states in transition. Dr. Herzenni’s visit has been sponsored by MoroccoTomorrow, a non-profit, non-political organization which serves as an information source for Moroccan-Americans and others interested in the historic changes brought about by the Arab Spring. In Washington, he spoke at the Brookings Institute, the American Enterprise Institute, and the U.S. Institute for Peace. Yesterday, he spoke in New York at the Council on Foreign Relations and also at a symposium at the Columbia University Journalism School. In addition, he has given major interviews on Bloomberg, FoxNews, and CNN.
Dr. Herzenni’s visit to the US comes in advance of the historic November 25th general elections in Morocco. As demonstrators took to the streets of various Arab countries last Spring, demanding the removal of their heads of state, Moroccans also gathered – but appealed for greater socio-political reform, not the abdication of King Mohammed VI. Understanding the need for greater transparency, openness, and regionalization on the political level, the King appointed a Citizens’ Committee of which Dr. Ahmed Herzenni was a key member, charged with drafting a new Moroccan constitution. This constitution, which was overwhelmingly approved by the electorate in a July referendum, confirms Islam as Morocco’s state religion, but remarkably includes protection under law of all other religions, a first for any Arab country. Under the new constitution, the King also gives over responsibility as Head of State to a freely elected Prime Minister. The new constitution also strengthens rights of women and minorities, guarantees an independent judiciary, and provides official recognition of the Amazigh language and heritage as essential to Moroccan identity. The elections on Friday will confirm these constitutional reforms and place Morocco on a path toward constitutional monarchy.
ABOUT DR. AHMED HERZENNI, PhD
Ahmed Herzenni, a political prisoner for more than 12 years under King Hassan II, King Mohammed VI’s father, is now playing an active role in shaping Morocco’s transition to a more democratic future. He was appointed to the post of President of Morocco’s Advisory Council on Human Rights (CCDH) in May 2007. This Spring, he was selected as one of the nineteen members of the Citizens’ Commission that drafted Morocco’s new constitution. The constitution was overwhelmingly approved by the electorate last July in a record turnout of over 98 percent, the highest voter participation ever in an Arab country.
Dr. Herzenni has a long and distinguished career as a professional dedicated to human rights, education and the improvement of social and living conditions in Morocco. Awarded a Ph.D. in Sociology and Anthropology from the University of Kentucky and a Diploma of Higher Studies in Sociology from the Rabat Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Dr. Herzenni first worked as a teacher and later become a sociologist specializing in rural and environmental affairs. Throughout his career, Dr. Herzenni has held a number of posts relating to human rights, human development, resource management, sustainable environmental and agricultural development, social sciences, and participatory and democratic methods. Dr. Herzenni lives in Casablanca, but travels frequently on academic and consulting assignments.
