Morocco
General elections (local, regional, and legislative elections) were held in Morocco on 8 September 2021. The 2021 Moroccan Chamber of Councillors elections took place on 5 October 2021. Both chambers’ elections were marked by the defeat of the Justice and Development Party (PDJ) in favour of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) ) and the Istiqlal Party (PI). The three parties won an absolute majority of seats, ensuring the coalition government a majority in both chambers of the parliament of Morocco.
WFD Morocco is currently delivering three programmes, two focused on supporting civil society organisations to improve and strengthen their engagement with the parliament and one focused on building the role and profile of women MPs and supporting the Equity and Parity Committee.
Our programmes
Background |
Programme objectives |
Following the adoption of the 2011 constitution, Morocco launched a series of reforms aimed at promoting greater transparency and accountability in public policies, while strengthening citizen participation in public policies and programs. Despite the impetus given by these initiatives and the continued expression of the government's political will, corruption rates in Morocco have not decreased, but stagnated. The failure to integrate civil society, particularly in the regions, through participatory governance of anti-corruption policies has meant that civil society, and citizens in general, are rarely able to effectively support public authorities in this critical area. This programme exploits the entry point for dialogue between CSOs, public authorities and Parliament. |
Funded by the EU, this programme aims to to empower CSOs for advocacy, monitoring and evaluation of transparency and governance in the framework of public policies that are designed for this purpose and promote the efforts of the House in this area Consortium partners: European Partnership for Democracy (EFP, lead); Impact for Development (IFD).
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Background |
Programme objectives |
The 2011 Constitution has considerably increased opportunities for citizens to participate in public life but Opportunities for citizens to exercise their new constitutional rights through engagement with parliament remains limited. CSOs are working on citizens’ concerns, issues and requests on a daily basis. This puts them in a good position to facilitate dialogue between parliament and citizens. However, many of these CSOs lack the effective means and knowledge on how to engage in parliamentary processes. The Parliament of Morocco has expressed its interest in engaging CSOs in its work and effectively implementing its rules of procedures related to engagement with CSOs. |
Supported by the Shiraka Fund under the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the project's main objective is to increase inclusion and public participation in policy making process in Morocco through enhanced CSOs and Parliament’s links and increased capabilities to work together on advancing key policy issues. |
Background |
Programme objectives |
Women’s political voices are under-represented in the parliament and even once elected, parliamentary practices are structured to prevent women MPs from gaining influence. This overshadows the extensive, detailed work being undertaken by committees and working groups - often informed by civil society voices - where women are given greater opportunities and are more active. As such, the value that women MPs bring is not fully recognised. The Thematic Working Group on Parity and Equity, established in 2011 to undertake studies and evaluate laws and policies from a gender perspective, offers a platform for women MPs to make significant contributions. However, as an ad-hoc committee, it has no oversight or legislative function, limiting its role and impact. |
This project is funded by Global Affairs Canada under the Canadian Fund for Local Initiatives managed by the Canadian Embassy in Rabat. The programme aims to advance women's political participation and leadership in Morocco through work with the Parliament of Morocco. |
From 2012, WFD’s support to women MPs across the Middle East and North Africa has focused on effective leadership and encouraging women MPs to use their political influence for legislative change that eradicates discrimination towards women and girls in the region.
Our programme works to help women parliamentarians across the region to become more effective advocates for the rights of women and girls through increased public debate, the development of effective legislation, improved parliamentary oversight, and stronger political leadership on a regional and national level.
Completed programmes
WFD trained MPs and parliamentary staff to strengthen the effectiveness of committees and the quality of the laws they produce. This programme set out to make the Moroccan parliament more representative and more effective in holding the Government to account.
Key Results

Parliament has enhanced its role in monitoring the implementation of legislation and the evaluation of the adopted laws including introduction of Post- Legislative Scrutiny (PLS). The HoC adopted a guide on PLS to review adopted laws and examine their outcomes
Established the Public Accounts Committee in 2015, based on learning from the Westminster model. The first report of the PAC into fuel subsidies resulted in a successful policy change

First Public Policy Evaluation (PPE) guide in the Arab region adopted by the Moroccan House of Representatives and presented to all 395 MPs at a plenary session in August 2016.
Adopted a code of conduct to set standards of behaviour for MPs.
Introduced the first women MPs’ working group for reform.
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