Moroccan Elections - November 2011

 

In Morocco's General Elections held on 25 November, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) won 107 of the Parliament's 395 seats, ensuring that it will become the largest party in the new coalition government. 

 

Under Morocco's New Constitution, which was overwhelmingly confirmed and welcomed in a national referendum on 1 July 2011, the new Prime Minister will be from the party which gained the most seats - that is, the Justice and Development Party.  Indeed, His Majesty has confirmed that Mr Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party, will be the Prime Minister and has asked him to form the new Government.

 

Turnout was nationally 45.4%, an increase on the 2007 General Elections when there was a 37% voter turnout.  68 women were elected as Members of Parliament - the highest number ever.  Under the New Constitution women are guaranteed 60 seats in Parliament.  Turnout in the south of Morocco exceeded 45.4%

 

The Elections were conducted in conformity with the Law and with 301 international observers present.  Each voting district was supervised by a commission which was presided over by a magistrate appointed by the country's Court of Appeal.  The insistence upon voters presenting their Identity cards rather than voter cards to vote, as demanded by many of the political parties, reduced opportunities for impersonation and fraud.   The introduction of laws to ensure equal access to the media for all parties ensured fairness.  In addition, a maximum fixed sum of DH350,000 per candidate was permitted to cover electoral expenses, with an itemised list of expenses and receipts required.

 

The PJD party was the main opposition party in the last Parliament with 47 seats.  It has come to power on an agenda to increase growth and streamline regulations in order to attract more private investment for infrastructure projects.

 

Mr Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party described the Elections as "honest by and large" and "democratically acceptable".  "They are the most transparent (elections) in Morocco's history, as can be seen by the speed with which the results were announced".  Mr Benkirane continued, "it is a vote of confidence and hope for Moroccan citizens", commenting that "Morocco has crossed an important threshold on the route to enshrining the democratic process," adding "that with these Elections, the Kingdom has broken with its past practices and has embarked on an irreversible democratic process."

 

Mr. Benkirane said that the PJD would fight against corruption and was dedicated to good government.  Regarding relations with Europe and the United States, Mr Benkirane commented that these are "based upon philosophical and historical foundations" and called for Morocco's interests to be taken into account when dealing with the West.  He also emphasised the importance of Morocco's relationships with the Arab World and Africa.

 

 

November 2011