Thousands of Moroccans Call for Election Boycott

Thousands of Moroccans demonstrated in dozens of cities calling for a boycott of upcoming parliamentary elections. The pro-democracy activists contend that the elections will only give credibility to an undemocratic regime. The protests are the latest in a series of regular peaceful demonstrations by the youth-led opposition February 20 Movement, and in Rabat, a Reuters reporter witnessed dozens of riot police assaulting protesters who had gathered in front of the parliament building at the end of a march. The demonstrations saw 3,000 protest in the capital Rabat and another 8,000 in Casablanca, according to sources.

“These nationwide protests were held around the common theme of calling for a boycott of November 25 parliamentary polls,” said Omar Radi, an activist from February 20 Movement’s local committee in Rabat. ”It is obvious that the polls will bring to power the same figures who have for years been plundering the wealth of the country and holding hostage the future of the Moroccan population,” he added.