Ban Ki-moon Commends Peaceful Moroccan Elections

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon commended ”the peaceful staging of legislative elections in Morocco,” while calling for the incoming government to respond to the aspirations of all Moroccans. He lauded the conduct of the polls and encouraged the new government to implement reforms outlined by the King and approved by the public. The Secretary-General also called on the government “to respond concretely to the legitimate aspirations of the people of Morocco, in close consultation with all national stakeholders, including the women and the youth.” Secretary of State Hillary Clinton congratulated Morocco for the completion of its elections, but cautioned, “The hard work of building democracy does not end when the votes are tallied and the winners announced.”

Ellen Lust argues the elections were not “a model for the Arab Spring as [the] West claims,” contending that Morocco’s “developments suggest real reform may be possible. But there is a long way to go.” Lust cites a largely disengaged population, weak campaigns, and political games that may stall reform as the primary problems facing the country.

Additionally, three relatives of Moroccan King Mohammed VI failed to capture seats in parliament, including Jamal and Hasan Ahizoun, both uncles of the king, as well as Abd el-Wahd Bennani, an uncle of the king’s wife Lalla Salma.