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Twenty-six parties are contesting the elections, but there's little to distinguish between them, with everyone pledging to improve Morocco's economy and fight corruption and poverty.
Moderate Extremists
Opinion polls indicate a big surge
in support for the only Islamic fundamentalist party represented in
parliament, the Justice and Development Party (PJD). PJD leader
Abdelilah Benkirane thinks his party will triple the 14 seats it
currently holds. Although the party is founded on religious
principles, it is moderate compared to the Muslim extremist parties
forbidden from contesting the election.
At a PJD election rally, about a quarter of supporters are women. They're sitting together on the right-hand side and all wear veils. Abdelilah Benkirane says the only acceptable progression for Morocco is within the framework of Islam: Muslims should pray five times a day, alcohol is forbidden, and women must dress modestly.
Two-vote System
The status of women is at stake in the
political struggle between progressive Morocco and the Islamists.
And the participation of women in politics is a key issue in this
election; at the moment there are only two women in parliament.
With an eye on its image abroad, Morocco has brought in a new
system to boost the number of women legislators. In addition to the
general voting list, each party has a separate pool of 30 female
candidates. Each voter must vote twice; once for a general
candidate, and once for a woman.
This technique is supposed to ensure that 30 parliamentary seats go to women. Cynics say that now it is up to women to save Morocco from the Islamists, but Nouzha Skalli, who heads the women's list of the Parti du Progres et du Socialisme, is enthusiastic:
"The number of women presenting themselves as candidates has increased enormously. It's 900 now, ten times as many as the last time. It is very important that women speak up at a political level and that they contribute to Morocco's progress by doing so."
Pointless
No matter what happens in Friday's
elections, however, real power for governing will effectively
remain with the King; despite the trappings of democracy, Mohammed
VI appoints key ministers and is unlikely to relinquish
control.
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Tags: elections, King Muhammed VI, Maroc, Morocco, PJD, women