Lafiti: Establishment of Equality Bodies in Over 97% of Local Communities
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Lafiti revealed that statistical data regarding the establishment and activation of advisory bodies within elected councils shows that more than 97% of local communities have created bodies for equality, equal opportunities, and gender approach, based on predefined nomination requests and selection criteria. He added that these bodies were consulted on their areas of expertise during the preparation of development plans specific to the local communities.
In response to a written question about the outcomes of activating public consultation bodies at the local level, their trajectory, the challenges they face, and the prospects for their expansion, Lafiti noted that 67% of the advisory opinions issued by these bodies were taken into account, indicating that 65% of them have internal regulations and specific work programs.
Regarding the two advisory bodies tasked with studying youth-related issues and economic concerns, which are established within regional councils, the government official confirmed that all these councils have created these bodies based on specific nomination requests and selection criteria, and they were consulted during the preparation of regional development plans, taking into account 74% of their advisory opinions.
The same data highlighted that over 87% of these bodies have internal regulations, while approximately 21% of them have work programs.
In an effort to support local communities in establishing and monitoring these bodies and ensuring their effectiveness, procedural guides have been prepared for local councils that include practical tools to assist in their establishment and oversight, alongside a guide dedicated to advisory bodies outlining how to prepare, present, and follow up on their opinions; these guides are available on the national electronic portal for local communities.
In a related context, Lafiti reported that 307 local councils have joined the Moroccan network of open local communities as part of the “Support for Open Local Communities” program aimed at embedding principles of openness at the local level.
The minister emphasized that advisory bodies play a crucial role in all stages of preparing programs for the openness of local communities, as they participate alongside elected officials and staff in committees overseeing the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of these programs, enhancing their contribution to local decision-making.
Lafiti also mentioned the preparation of simplified explanatory capsules for these guides, available on the local communities’ YouTube channel, highlighting the organization of several training sessions for local elected officials, staff, and members of advisory bodies, as well as representatives from civil society, aimed at enhancing their capabilities in activating and monitoring the work of these bodies and effectively formulating their advisory opinions.
