House of Representatives Speaker stresses deputies' endeavor to promote democracy

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mustapha Mansouri on Monday highlighted the deputies' endeavor to promote the practice of democracy in Morocco, at a meeting with King Mohammed VI in Casablanca ,Mr, Mansouri who was accompanied by members of the bureau of the lower house, said this endeavor would breathe more life into the parliamentary action, and will also "immunize it and consolidate it." He highlighted the deputies' commitment to a responsible parliamentary action which paved the way for a "sincere and fruitful debate", and "gave a new impetus" to the parliament. Mr. Mansouri, leader of the National Rally for the Independent (RNI - center), pledged to endeavor for an "active and harmonious parliament, where the roles of the lower and upper houses complement each other to bring about further rationalization." In a speech at the opening of the Fall Session of the Parliament (October 12), King Mohammed VI called on the Parliament “to play a key role in this vital mission, by giving strong momentum to parliamentary action at all levels. This dynamic role should concern legislative reform, accountability, as well as supervision of political action in the field.” The RNI which holds seven portfolios in the current government, had ranked fourth in the September 7 legislative elections that were won by the conservative Istiqlal party with 52 seats, followed by moderate Islamist party (Justice and Development – PJD) 46 seats, and the Popular Movement Party (42 seats). Mr. Mansouri, minister of Employment and Vocational Training in the former government, was elected speaker of the house with 172 votes against 58 for PJD candidate Abdellah Baha.