right was quite improperly invoked, since the first and only state of emergency that gripped the Morocco lasted five years, from June 1965 to July 1970. However, constitutions adopted after that date contained many restrictions of public freedoms, close to the state of emergency. Until 1977, no elected parliament has completed its term. Composition Since 1996, the national legislature has become bicameral and has therefore two parliamentary chambers: The House of Representatives or the lower house. 395 members elected directly for a five-year term. The House of Councillorss 120 members are elected indirectly for a six-year term by two sets of electoral colleges. The Members of Parliament come from Morocco and the Moroccan-held parts of Western Sahara (under Moroccan law treated as the Southern Provinces). Reserve power Part of the reserve powers, the head of State (in this case the King of Morocco) has the right to dissolve the Parliament. In the past, during the "years of lead" under King Hassan II, this right was used extensively, along with suspensions and extensions of terms. Thus, until 1997, not a single elected Parliament was able to complete its term under normal circumstances. Role The role of Parliament, and the respect of the monarchy for its integrity, has increased considerably since 1999, when Mohammed VI took the throne. However, the power of Parliament is still being limited as it is the King who appoints the prime minister and on proposition from the latter, the members of government. Current Government The current government in Morocco is headed by Aziz Akhannouch in a Coalition Government which include his own party, the National Rally of Independents, the Authenticity and Modernity Party and the Istiqlal Party. See also Politics of Morocco Elections in Morocco List of political parties in Morocco List of legislatures by country References External links Politics of Morocco Morocco Morocco Morocco