Morocco: Political parties and the EU

In the aftermath of the public protests which occurred during the Arab Spring in February 2011, King Mohammed VI of Morocco announced an early election, a process of constitutional reform granting new civil rights, and the relinquishing of some of his administrative powers. Following a referendum, a new constitution was ratified on 13 September 2011. This created a number of new civil rights, including constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, social equality for women, rights for speakers of minority languages and the independence of judges. Early parliamentary elections were held on 25 November 2011. Changes to the electoral and administrative law were significant.