New York – Associations and personalities active within the Moroccan community living abroad demanded the adoption of an organic law to ensure the election of a legislative institution that comprises representatives of the Moroccan diaspora.
In a statement carried by Maghreb Arab Press on Tuesday, these associations called on political parties to “respect the King’s will expressed in a speech on 20 August 2011, which is consistent with the desire of Moroccan citizens living abroad and aims to ensure the optimal implementation of the provisions of the constitution.”
They also demanded that Moroccans living abroad be included in a national list by means of creating a special list, which allows for the participation of Moroccan expatriates to vote and to run for elected office from their countries of residence and to turn the vote by proxy into the exception rather than the rule.
They further stressed the need to follow through with the provisions of the new constitution that enables Moroccans residing abroad to enjoy full citizenship rights, including political rights.
The statement was signed by representatives of a number of Moroccan political parties abroad, as well as the “Caucus of Moroccan Democratic Associations in Europe for Effective Citizenship Here and There.”
Last Thursday, the Maghreb Arab Press reported that The Caucus of Moroccan Democratic Associations in Europe for Effective Citizenship Here and There (Le Collectif des Associations Démocratiques Marocaines en Europe pour une Citoyenneté Effective Ici et Là-bas) had called on political parties to incorporate Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) within their national lists, for the upcoming elections and to be able to vote along with women and youth.
For several years Moroccans living abroad have been calling on the Moroccan authorities to enable their participation in their country’s political life and to take their concerns into account. As their remittances constitute one of the major sources of income for the Moroccan economy, they have been seeking to obtain a political participation and influence proportionate to their impact on their country’s economy.
Their remittances constitute the second largest source of revenue in the balance of payments after merchandise exports. Income being sent home by Moroccan expatriates increased 7.8% to hit 54.10 billion dirhams in 2010, compared to 50.21 in 2009.
Editing by Benjamin Villanti
