Morocco Holds First Elections Since Reform

Morocco held its first parliamentary elections on Friday since a new constitution was approved by a referendum in July, which provided for a more empowered parliament. Moroccan Interior Minister Taib Cherkaoui said around 45 per cent of registered voters turned out on Friday, and improvement from 35 per cent in 2007 polls. Analysts stated that “given Morocco’s complex proportional electoral system and the few requirements for aspiring candidates and parties — there are 5,873 candidates from 33 parties — it is unlikely that one party will emerge with a majority.” Even though elections were held, many Moroccans decided that the polls will not lead to real change, as Abdallah Cherachaoui expressed concern, stating ”I won’t vote, the promises are never kept. With or without the new constitution, it is the same.”

As the February 20th movement called for a boycott of the elections, Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) claimed victory in the elections. Lahcen Daodi, second in command of the moderate Islamist party, told Reuters that “Based on reports filed by our representatives at polling stations throughout the country, we are the winners. We won Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Kenitra, Sale, Beni Mellal and Sidi Ifni to cite just a few,” and “our party has won the highest number of seats,” as government officials have not confirmed the party’s claim.