Over the past 14 years, Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD)’s locally-led team in Morocco has worked in close partnership with the Moroccan Parliament to promote accountability, transparency, and inclusion – factors that underpin sustainable democratic outcomes. This long-standing collaboration is rooted in a shared commitment to strengthening democratic governance, enhancing legislative and oversight functions, and deepening citizen engagement. Together, we have championed reforms, supported capacity-building initiatives, and fostered innovation within both houses of Parliament. As we reflect on this partnership, we are proud to highlight ten key achievements—among many— that illustrate the progress made and the lasting impact of our joint efforts.

10 key achievements from our partnership:

1. A more modern parliament 

WFD supported the parliament’s modernisation, including developing a code of conduct, the establishment of a Research Centre for each house and the creation of new administrative and technical units. The parliament adopted its first strategic plan in 2012 with WFD support.  

2. Legislative oversight and policy evaluation 

We introduced post-legislative scrutiny and public policy evaluation practices to parliament, strengthening its monitoring and evaluation of how laws are being implemented.

3. Promoting women’s leadership 

With WFD support, the House of Representatives revised its rules of procedure to reinforce the role of women in parliament and reserved at least a third of key roles for women. The Thematic Working Group on Equity and Parity – a key WFD partner – has been mandated to evaluate laws and policies from a gender perspective and WFD supported women MPs to strengthen their visibility and profile.  

4. Upholding human rights 

WFD played a key role in positioning the House of Councillors as a national platform for dialogue on human rights. A comprehensive database and mapping of human rights-related laws was developed, and the House set out an operational roadmap for institutionalising human rights within parliamentary work.  

5. Engaging young people in politics

In collaboration with the House of Representatives, WFD’s youth inclusion programme equipped young people from political parties and civil society organisations with the skills and knowledge they need to effectively engage with parliament, including developing policy papers to be taken forward by legislators. The programme also provided opportunities for the parliament to learn about good practices for youth inclusion implemented by the Westminster parliament.

"I feel that my voice is now being heard. I can now speak within an institution that is the highest in the country.

We had the opportunity to share our concerns and meet MPs, team leaders, and parliamentary advisors. As a young person, I feel today that the parliament has become very open, and the concept of participatory democracy that we discuss has become tangible and real for young people."

– Hassan Moutai, CSO representative and President of the Empowerment Center – Support for Development, 2025

6. Enhancing parliamentary openness  

With WFD support, the Moroccan House of Representatives joined the Open Government Partnership in August 2019, the first parliament in the Arab region to become a member. WFD also supported improved citizen accessibility of information by the parliament through an updated website and social media presence.  

7. Financial oversight and transparency

WFD supported establishment of the Committee of Control of Public Finances and Governance within the Moroccan Parliament. Made up of MPs from all the major political parties, and the first committee of its kind in the MENA region, the Committee’s scrutinises public spending to ensure effective, accountable and transparent use of public money.

8. Civil Society Engagement with Parliament   

WFD nurtured a new culture inside parliament whereby Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) are increasingly viewed as constructive partners for policy formulation, analysis and evaluation.  

9. Supporting priority issues with the Upper House

WFD supported Morocco's House of Councillors in expanding its leadership role on key policy issues by overseeing the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), presenting the Rabat Declaration on climate change at the 2017 UN Climate Conference, creating platforms for public debate on social justice, and promoting regionalisation through local forums and enhanced citizen engagement.

10. Strengthening Inter-Parliamentary Relations

WFD supported the Moroccan Parliament in strengthening its international engagement through exchange initiatives and peer-learning activities with parliaments from ten countries (Scotland, Georgia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Jordan, Bahrain, Venezuela, Lebanon, Tunisia, and Djibouti), enhancing institutional collaboration and building capacity in legislative, oversight, and representative functions.

Members of the Equity and Parity Working Group of the Moroccan House of Representatives during a visit organised by WFD to the Scottish Parliament in June 2018.

“The relationship between WFD and the House is unique, as it is based on trust and friendship. This is what makes WFD a special and strategic partner to the Moroccan House of Representatives”.  

– Speaker of the House of Representatives, 2019 

The WFD–Moroccan Parliament partnership demonstrates how sustained, trusted collaboration between the UK and its partners can drive significant democratic progress. Beyond the tangible outcomes, this partnership has established enduring relationships between institutions and individuals committed to effective governance and citizen representation. Looking ahead, WFD remains committed to this valued partnership, continuing to foster innovation, inclusivity, and institutional excellence in parliamentary practice for the benefit of all Moroccan citizens.