Introduction

After independence from France Morocco was established as a royal Kingdom with a hereditary monarchy.

The King acts as head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces. He is empowered to appoint the country's prime minister and cabinet and can dissolve the 306-member Chamber of Representatives which is the country's legislature.

Representatives for 206 seats are elected by the people while representatives for the remaining 100 seats are chosen by local political and economic groups.

Morocco's political structure allows for a multi-party system, including the moderate Istiqlal Party, the conservative Popular Movement, the promonarchy National Rally of Independents and the popular Constitution Union.