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The Sultan of the Empire Of Morocco (Constitution Duties and Powers)

Primary Chapter on the Sultan

Chapter II – His Majesty the Sultan of the Empire of Morocco

  • Article 5 – Status as Head of State; eligibility; oath before the Chief Judge; term length; election rules; veto power; candidate eligibility; Constitutional Council’s role in elections; succession rules; vacancy procedures.

  • Article 10 – Sultan as absolute sovereign authority over political, legal, judicial, education, economic, social, and military affairs.

  • Article 11 – Promulgation of legislative acts; power to request reopening of House debates.

  • Article 12 – Power to call referendums on certain government bills (organization of public authorities, reforms, treaties).

  • Article 13 – Power to call referendums on broader reforms; process for Private Member’s Bill referendums; limits on repeat referendums.

  • Article 14 – Power to dissolve governmental committees and set timelines for re‑formation.

  • Article 15 – Joint signing of ordinances and acts; appointment powers for civil and military posts; delegation rules; committee consultation requirements.

  • Article 16 – Accreditation of ambassadors and envoys; reception of foreign ambassadors.

  • Article 17 – Commander‑in‑Chief of the Armed Forces; presides over national defense councils.

  • Article 18 – Emergency powers in times of serious threat; consultation requirements; Constitutional Council review; limits on dissolving committees during emergencies.

  • Article 19 – Right of nationals to bear arms (sport and limited war arms).

  • Article 20 – Power to grant pardons or clemency.

  • Article 21 – Communication with the House; ability to address the Government in session.

  • Article 22 – Countersignature requirements for Sultan’s instruments.

 

Other Chapters with Sultan’s Powers or Role

Chapter VI – Relations Between the Government and the House

  • Article 60 – Sultan (and assigns) negotiates treaties.

  • Article 61 – Sultan’s role in ratifying certain major treaties (peace, trade, territory changes).

  • Article 64 – Sultan may refer international agreements to the Constitutional Council for constitutional review.

 

Chapter VIII – The Constitutional Council

  • Article 66 – Sultan appoints 7 of 27 members of the Constitutional Council; appoints its President.

  • Article 68 – Constitutional Council ensures proper conduct of Sultan’s election.

  • Article 71(2) – Sultan may refer Acts of the House to the Constitutional Council before promulgation.

 

Chapter IX – The Judicial Authority

  • Article 75 – Sultan is guarantor of judicial independence; assisted by the High Council of the Judiciary.

  • Article 76 – Sultan appoints and presides over the High Council of the Judiciary.

 

Chapter X – The High Court of the House

  • Article 80 – Immunities and protections for the Sultan during his term; liability only for certain grave crimes after term.

  • Article 81 – Process for removal from office (treason, bribery, high crimes); High Court procedures; voting thresholds.

 

Chapter XIV – Territorial Communities or Trust Territories

  • Article 89(3) – Territorial communities under the protection of His Majesty the Sultan.

  • Article 92(3–4) – Peremptory right of Moorish people to come under the Sultan’s protection; prohibition on forced naturalization by foreign powers.

  • Article 93(2) – Sultan may decide to consult voters in overseas territorial communities on certain questions.

  • Article 94(1) – Statutes and regulations automatically apply under the protections of the Sultan.

 

Chapter XV – Transitional Provisions for Trust Territories

  • Article 98(5–6) – Sultan may recognize a trust territory as under the Empire’s protection; no territory recognized as a Moorish State until Sultan issues a decree with the Prime Minister and Speaker as witnesses.

 

Chapter XX – Amendments to the Constitution

  • Article 106(1) – Sultan has the right to initiate constitutional amendments.

 

FYI:

The Sultan’s constitutional footprint spans Chapter II (his core powers and duties) and extends into treaty‑making, judicial appointments, constitutional oversight, military command, emergency powers, territorial recognition, and constitutional amendment rights.

Sultan’s Constitutional Mandate

(Empire of Morocco Constitution – Consolidated Provisions)

 

Chapter II – His Majesty the Sultan of the Empire of Morocco

Article 5 – Status, Oath, Term, and Succession

  • Plain Summary: The Sultan is Head of State and Supreme Authority. Must meet eligibility rules, take an oath before the Chief Judge, serve the set term, and follow constitutional succession rules if the throne becomes vacant.

  • Practical Meaning: The Sultan is the ultimate symbol and leader of the Empire, formally sworn in to uphold the Constitution, with clear rules for how the role passes on if needed.

Article 10 – Scope of Authority

  • Plain Summary: Holds supreme authority over political, legal, judicial, educational, economic, social, and military matters.

  • Practical Meaning: The Sultan is the central decision‑maker in all major areas of governance.

Article 11 – Promulgation of Laws

  • Plain Summary: Signs laws passed by the House and can send them back for further debate.

  • Practical Meaning: Acts as the final check before laws take effect, ensuring they align with national priorities.

Article 12 – Referendums on Certain Bills

  • Plain Summary: Can call a public vote on bills about public authority organization, reforms, or treaties.

  • Practical Meaning: Gives the people a direct say on major national changes.

Article 13 – Broader Referendum Powers

  • Plain Summary: Can call referendums on other reforms, including citizen‑initiated proposals, with limits on repeats.

  • Practical Meaning: Allows the Sultan to put big questions directly to the people.

Article 14 – Dissolution of Committees

  • Plain Summary: Can dissolve government committees and set deadlines for re‑formation.

  • Practical Meaning: Ensures committees remain effective and accountable.

Article 15 – Signing and Appointments

  • Plain Summary: Jointly signs ordinances and acts; appoints civil and military officials; can delegate powers.

  • Practical Meaning: Oversees top appointments and shares responsibility for official acts.

Article 16 – Diplomatic Accreditation

  • Plain Summary: Accredits ambassadors and receives foreign envoys.

  • Practical Meaning: Represents Morocco in the international diplomatic community.

Article 17 – Commander‑in‑Chief

  • Plain Summary: Leads the Armed Forces and chairs national defense councils.

  • Practical Meaning: Directs military policy and defense strategy.

Article 18 – Emergency Powers

  • Plain Summary: Can take special measures in times of grave threat, but must consult key leaders and follow time limits.

  • Practical Meaning: Balances swift action in crises with constitutional safeguards.

Article 19 – Right to Bear Arms

  • Plain Summary: Recognizes the right of nationals to own certain arms for sport or limited defense.

  • Practical Meaning: Sets the framework for lawful arms ownership.

Article 20 – Pardons and Clemency

  • Plain Summary: Can grant pardons or reduce sentences.

  • Practical Meaning: Acts as the final mercy authority in the justice system.

Article 21 – Communication with the House

  • Plain Summary: Can address the House or Government directly.

  • Practical Meaning: Keeps open a direct line between the monarchy and legislative/executive branches.

Article 22 – Countersignature Rules

  • Plain Summary: Most Sultan’s acts require the Prime Minister’s countersignature, with exceptions.

  • Practical Meaning: Ensures shared responsibility for major decisions.

 

Other Chapters with Sultan’s Role

Chapter VI – Articles 60, 61, 64 – Treaty Powers

  • Plain Summary: Negotiates and ratifies treaties; can refer them to the Constitutional Council for review.

  • Practical Meaning: Shapes Morocco’s international agreements and ensures they fit the Constitution.

Chapter VIII – Articles 66, 68, 71(2) – Constitutional Council

  • Plain Summary: Appoints members and President of the Council; Council oversees Sultan’s election; can refer laws for review.

  • Practical Meaning: Influences the body that safeguards constitutional compliance.

Chapter IX – Articles 75, 76 – Judicial Authority

  • Plain Summary: Guarantees judicial independence; presides over the High Council of the Judiciary.

  • Practical Meaning: Protects the courts from political interference and guides top judicial appointments.

Chapter X – Articles 80, 81 – Immunity and Removal

  • Plain Summary: Immune from prosecution during term; can only be removed for grave crimes via High Court process.

  • Practical Meaning: Protects the office while allowing accountability for serious misconduct.

Chapter XIV – Articles 89, 92, 93, 94 – Territorial Protection

  • Plain Summary: Protects territorial communities; can consult voters in overseas territories; ensures statutes apply under his protection.

  • Practical Meaning: Acts as guardian of Morocco’s territorial integrity and governance.

Chapter XV – Article 98 – Recognition of States

  • Plain Summary: Can recognize a trust territory as a Moorish State, with Prime Minister and Speaker as witnesses.

  • Practical Meaning: Holds the power to expand the Empire’s recognized states.

Chapter XX – Article 106 – Constitutional Amendments

  • Plain Summary: Can propose changes to the Constitution.

  • Practical Meaning: Plays a direct role in shaping the nation’s foundational law.

 

Core Mandate

The Sultan is Morocco’s Head of State, Commander‑in‑Chief, chief diplomat, and constitutional guardian. His powers span lawmaking, defense, diplomacy, justice, territorial protection, and constitutional change — always balanced by procedural checks like countersignatures, Council reviews, and public referendums.

 

Sultan’s Practical Duties & Procedures Guide

(Empire of Morocco Constitution)

 

Chapter II – His Majesty the Sultan of the Empire of Morocco

Article 5 – Status, Oath, Term, and Succession

Role/Function: Head of State and Supreme Authority; formally sworn in; manages succession. Operational Tasks:

  1. Verify eligibility and nomination documents before election or succession.

  2. Schedule and conduct oath ceremony before the Chief Judge.

  3. Issue a formal Royal Decree of assumption of office.

  4. Maintain and periodically review succession protocols and contingency plans.

  5. Notify the Constitutional Council, House of Representatives, and Government of assumption of office.

  6. Ensure public communication of succession to maintain stability.

 

Article 10 – Scope of Authority

Role/Function: Supreme authority over political, legal, judicial, educational, economic, social, and military domains. Operational Tasks:

  1. Convene strategic councils for each domain at least quarterly.

  2. Issue Royal Directives to guide national policy in each sector.

  3. Review and approve high‑level plans from ministries.

  4. Assign Royal Advisors to monitor implementation and report progress.

  5. Intervene in cases of national importance or crisis.

 

Article 11 – Promulgation of Laws

Role/Function: Final approval of laws; ability to return them for further debate. Operational Tasks:

  1. Review Acts passed by the House for constitutional compliance and policy alignment.

  2. Sign and promulgate Acts in the Official Journal.

  3. If necessary, return Acts to the House with written observations.

  4. Maintain a register of promulgated and returned Acts.

 

Article 12 – Referendums on Certain Bills

Role/Function: Call public votes on bills about public authority organization, reforms, or treaties. Operational Tasks:

  1. Identify bills eligible for referendum.

  2. Consult with the Prime Minister and Speaker on timing and scope.

  3. Issue a Royal Decree calling the referendum.

  4. Oversee public information campaigns to ensure informed voting.

  5. Certify and publish results.

 

Article 13 – Broader Referendum Powers

Role/Function: Call referendums on other reforms, including citizen‑initiated proposals. Operational Tasks:

  1. Review proposals for constitutional and legal compliance.

  2. Set referendum date and procedures.

  3. Ensure fair campaigning and equal media access.

  4. Oversee counting and certification of results.

 

Article 14 – Dissolution of Committees

Role/Function: Dissolve government committees and set deadlines for re‑formation. Operational Tasks:

  1. Identify underperforming or non‑compliant committees.

  2. Issue dissolution decree with reasons.

  3. Set a clear timeline for re‑formation.

  4. Monitor re‑formation process to ensure compliance.

 

Article 15 – Signing and Appointments

Role/Function: Jointly sign ordinances and acts; appoint civil and military officials; delegate powers. Operational Tasks:

  1. Review ordinances and acts for legal compliance.

  2. Sign jointly with the Prime Minister where required.

  3. Approve appointments to senior civil and military posts.

  4. Issue delegation instruments to ministers or officials.

 

Article 16 – Diplomatic Accreditation

Role/Function: Accredits ambassadors and receives foreign envoys. Operational Tasks:

  1. Approve ambassadorial appointments.

  2. Sign letters of credence.

  3. Host credential presentation ceremonies.

  4. Maintain diplomatic protocol standards.

 

Article 17 – Commander‑in‑Chief

Role/Function: Leads the Armed Forces and chairs national defense councils. Operational Tasks:

  1. Convene defense councils to review security status.

  2. Approve military strategy and budgets.

  3. Authorize major defense operations.

  4. Inspect armed forces and facilities.

 

Article 18 – Emergency Powers

Role/Function: Take special measures in crises with constitutional safeguards. Operational Tasks:

  1. Consult Prime Minister, Speaker, and Constitutional Council.

  2. Issue emergency decree specifying scope and duration.

  3. Report to the House within required timeframes.

  4. Review and renew or terminate measures as needed.

 

Article 19 – Right to Bear Arms

Role/Function: Regulate lawful arms ownership. Operational Tasks:

  1. Approve regulations on permitted arms types.

  2. Oversee licensing systems.

  3. Monitor compliance through security services.

 

Article 20 – Pardons and Clemency

Role/Function: Grant pardons or reduce sentences. Operational Tasks:

  1. Review pardon applications with Ministry of Justice.

  2. Consult judicial opinions where necessary.

  3. Issue Royal Decree granting or denying clemency.

 

Article 21 – Communication with the House

Role/Function: Address the House or Government directly. Operational Tasks:

  1. Schedule addresses in coordination with the Speaker.

  2. Prepare and deliver speeches on national priorities.

  3. Ensure official record and publication.

 

Article 22 – Countersignature Rules

Role/Function: Require Prime Minister’s countersignature for most acts. Operational Tasks:

  1. Identify acts requiring countersignature.

  2. Obtain and record countersignature before enactment.

 

Other Chapters with Sultan’s Role

Treaty Powers (Arts. 60, 61, 64)

Role/Function: Negotiate, ratify, and review treaties. Operational Tasks:

  1. Lead or delegate treaty negotiations.

  2. Approve final text before ratification.

  3. Refer to Constitutional Council if needed.

 

Constitutional Council (Arts. 66, 68, 71(2))

Role/Function: Appoint members and President; refer laws for review. Operational Tasks:

  1. Select qualified candidates.

  2. Issue appointment decrees.

  3. Submit laws for constitutional review.

 

Judicial Authority (Arts. 75, 76)

Role/Function: Guarantee judicial independence; preside over High Council of the Judiciary. Operational Tasks:

  1. Convene High Council sessions.

  2. Approve judicial appointments and promotions.

  3. Safeguard court independence.

 

Immunity and Removal (Arts. 80, 81)

Role/Function: Immunity during term; removal only for grave crimes. Operational Tasks:

  1. Maintain legal counsel for constitutional matters.

  2. Cooperate with High Court if proceedings occur.

 

Territorial Protection (Arts. 89, 92, 93, 94)

Role/Function: Protect territorial communities; consult voters in overseas territories. Operational Tasks:

  1. Oversee governance of protected territories.

  2. Approve referendums in overseas areas.

  3. Ensure statutes apply under protection.

 

Recognition of States (Art. 98)

Role/Function: Recognize trust territories as Moorish States. Operational Tasks:

  1. Assess readiness for recognition.

  2. Issue recognition decree with witnesses.

 

Constitutional Amendments (Art. 106)

Role/Function: Propose constitutional changes. Operational Tasks:

  1. Draft amendment proposals.

  2. Submit to Constitutional Council and House.

  3. Call referendum if required.

» The L.A.W. of the Empire of Morocco