Roots of Moroccan Political Institutions

Abstract

The political institutions of Moroccan tribes are closely intertwined with the central state. By allying with state officials, tribe members actively contribute to state authoritarianism. The state has seen to it that neither the rural council nor the customary village council offers positions for representation of the tribal population. However, the recent gouvernement d'alternance of Prime Minister Youssoufi and King Mohammed VI have both declared the introduction of a local government intended to serve the population, instead of controlling it through this nonrepresentation. Nonetheless, in view of Morocco's political culture, it can be argued that this will be a long-term affair.