Democracy News

Islamist Justice and Development Party Wins Moroccan Parliamentary Election
November 28, 2011
By: Randi Zung | Printer Friendly

According to results from the November 25 Moroccan parliamentary election, BBC News reported that the poll was won by the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD). The PJD won 107 out of 395 seats, securing the right to lead the country’s next government. The poll was organized as part of promised reforms made by King Mohamed VI earlier in the year after Arab Spring-related protests developed in the country. Under the recently adopted constitution, the King will now be tasked with selecting a prime minister from the winning PJD party. Previously, the King appointed the candidate at his discretion.

Following the release of the poll’s results, Reuters reported that Prime Minisiter Abbas Al Fassi of the Istiqlal party stated, “The PJD's victory is a victory for democracy.” However, activists from the pro-reform February 20 movement have balked at these developments as signs of reform. Najib Chawki, an activist with the February 20 movement, said the poll’s low voter turnout of 45.4 percent is an indicator that Moroccans are not satisfied with the King’s promised reforms. Time reported that pro-reformers also protested the poll by crossing out all eligible candidates or by submitting unused, blank ballots.

It is expected that PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane will meet with the King on November 29 to be officially nominated as the new prime minister, AFP reported. Benkirane has previously stated that his party is committed to working with coalition partners and has vowed that the PJD will govern based on the principles of democracy and good governance.

For previous news on Morocco, please see:
Moroccans Approve Constitutional Reforms Amid Opposition Criticism

Sources:
BBC News - Islamist PJD party wins Morocco poll

Time - Islamists Win Morocco's Arab Spring Election

AFP - Morocco Islamists prepare to govern after poll win

Reuters - Moroccan opposition warns of silent majority