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