Moroccans Vote on Changes in the Political Structure
Moroccans went to the polls on Friday to vote on constitutional changes proposed last month by King Mohammed VI in a bid to introduce greater political openness and ward off the kind of unrest that has swept much of the Arab world.
The referendum on what has been promoted by the government as changes to empower the public and reduce the absolute authority of the king was expected to be widely approved by voters after a strong push in favor by the authorities, most political parties and the nation’s news media.
Under the proposed amendments, the prime minister would no longer be appointed by the king, but would be selected by the majority party in Parliament. In addition, an independent judiciary would be formed.