July 1st, 2009 by Blake

In the Washington Post Anne Applebaum writes that despite the semblance of progressive democracy in Morocco after its June 12 elections, corruption is nevertheless widespread and the population is depoliticized. She points out however, that Morocco leads the region in acknowledging past wrongdoings against its citizens.

Applebaum credits the government’s change in attitude not to a revolution but to the ascension of the young King Mohammed IV to the throne.  The country’s Equity and Reconciliation Commission (which began in 2004) fostered an environment amenable to democracy by providing closure to the violent past in Morocco’s diverse and vehemently Islamic society, which includes jihadist elements.  “It is possible to acknowledge and discuss human rights violations in this culture, just as they can be discussed elsewhere. Just because much of the Arab world lacks the political will to change doesn’t mean that change is always and forever impossible”, writes Applebaum.

View POMED’s Morocco country page to read recent analysis of Morocco.

Posted in Democracy Promotion, Elections, Morocco, Reform |