King Mohammed VI promises reforms

Morocco's King Mohammed VI has promised a package of constitutional reforms.

The 47-year-old monarch spoke to his subjects in a televised address in which he assured them there would be a democratically elected prime minister.

He said the country's new style of government would reflect "the will of the people, through the ballot box", while the prime minister - who at the moment is appointed by the king - would come from the political party with the most seats in parliament.

Mohammed called on political parties, trade unions, youth groups and civil society groups to work with a committee he set up that is charged with revising the constitution.

The committee is to report back by June and the draft constitution will then be sent to the people to vote on in a referendum, which looks set to happen in either September or October.

His speech was met with a positive response with drivers along Rabat's main street honking their horns and waving flags.

Morocco has remained stable despite dozens of nation-wide protests, in which six died, while despots in neighbouring North African countries have fallen or continue to wage war against rebellious citizens.