The Growing Popularity of Petitions in Morocco
The increasing reliance on petitions as a means of expressing social demands in Morocco highlights a significant shift in political engagement among citizens. Issues such as the abolition of the GMT+1 time zone and the capping of fuel prices have prompted citizens, activists, and civil society members to intensify their efforts in utilizing petitions, particularly given the prevailing uncertainty surrounding the final outcomes of these initiatives. Legal scholars and political scientists have noted this trend, emphasizing that the constitutional right to submit petitions is a vital avenue for civic expression.
Notably, within weeks of launching a national petition advocating for the cancellation of the additional hour, a new petition emerged, calling for fuel prices to be capped at 10 dirhams per liter, along with the implementation of a dynamic tax on fuel. Prior to these initiatives, another petition sought to eliminate the age limit for education exams, which had been set at 30 years. The constitutional guarantee of the petition mechanism faces scrutiny regarding its effectiveness, particularly in light of past instances where demands, such as the establishment of a cancer patient support fund, received governmental acknowledgment yet were ultimately rejected in substance.
Challenges and Opportunities for Participatory Democracy
Hicham Zoubeir, a professor of public law and political science at the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences in Rabat, asserts that the act of submitting petitions to public authorities is a constitutional right. He elaborates that the dynamic surrounding national petitions covers topics of pressing public concern, notably the capping of fuel prices, where the government claims to have taken steps to support transport operators and households, leaving the matter in the hands of the Competition Council, which is currently monitoring the market.
Regarding the petition concerning the additional hour, Zoubeir points out the divergence of opinions among ministers. For instance, the Minister of Energy Transition acknowledged the limited impact of this measure on reducing energy consumption, while the Minister of Digital Transition argued that it serves the public interest, characterizing the decision to abolish or maintain it as complex and necessitating extensive consultations. Zoubeir emphasizes that these petitions arise amid a backdrop of stagnation concerning social demands, as opposition parties face legal constraints that hinder their progress, while the government refrains from acting due to coalition agreements.
Marianne Abil, a researcher in constitutional law and political science, echoes these sentiments, noting that citizens often feel disconnected from their representative institutions, which they perceive as failing to address their concerns effectively. She argues that the pursuit of new mechanisms, such as petitions, to facilitate political expression is a legitimate and constitutional endeavor, reflecting Morocco's commitment to participatory democracy. While the success of this model in practice remains debatable, Abil acknowledges the presence of commendable attempts to engage citizens.
Ultimately, she suggests that the effectiveness of these initiatives hinges on the responsiveness of relevant authorities, including the government and parliament. The single petition that gained acceptance in the House of Representatives, which addressed gender parity, stalled without further action. Similarly, the petition for establishing a cancer patient support fund did not garner a positive response, underscoring the need for improved interaction between civic initiatives and institutional frameworks. Despite these challenges, Abil emphasizes that the act of petitioning remains a vital means of fostering civic engagement and stimulating political consciousness, thereby contributing to a more dynamic societal landscape.
As reported by hespress.com.
