Moroccans say "yes" to new constitution

RABAT, July 2 (KUNA) -- Morocco is set to have a fresh constitution that will curb the king's powers as 98.49 percent of voters gave their approval in Friday's referendum.
Moroccan Interior Minister Taieb Cherqaoui told a news conference late Friday that 98.49 of voters approved the new draft constitution.
Only 1.51 percent voted against the proposed constitution, and these results concern 94 percent of the polling stations, Cherqaoui said.
The number of voters amounted to 9,228,020, that is a 72.6 percent turnout, while the null and void represented 76,917 (0.83 percent), added the Minister.
The number of recorded votes has reached 9,151,103, the minister said, adding that these are partial results as the Constitutional Council is the only authority to announce the final official results of the constitutional referendum. Amid waves of demonstrations calling for political reforms and better living conditions, Moroccan King Mohammed VI proposed changes to the country's constitution on June 17.
The new version transfers some of the king's powers to the prime minister, who now as the head of government has the authority to appoint government officials. It also enhances the powers of parliament.
The king will remain as the head of state, religious leader and supreme commander of the armed forces, and continue playing a pivotal role in the country's policy-making process. (end) adt.mt KUNA 020923 Jul 11NNNN