Moroccans approve new constitution

Morocco votes overwhelming in favor of a new constitution that will place some limits on the power if its king.

Moroccans celebrate constitutional reforms 311 R (photo credit: REUTERS)
Moroccans celebrate constitutional reforms 311 R
(photo credit: REUTERS)

A referendum on Morocco's constitution is over - and there is little doubt about the result.

The country's interior minister, Taib Cherkaoui, says 98 percent of voters approved of a series of amendments that will limit the power of the country's king.

The sovereign, King Mohammed, proposed the changes to placate 'Arab Spring' protesters who demanded democratic reforms.

The new constitution will give more executive powers to elected lawmakers and curtails the king's current powers to unilaterally dissolve parliament.

But members of the protest movement say the changes do not go far enough.

King Mohammed, part of a dynasty that has run Morocco for five decades, retains control over the cabinet, military, judiciary and religious institutions.