Morocco, Moroccans vote in early elections tomorrow, culminating the reforms initiated by Mohamed VI

The Moroccans are called to the polls Friday to elect a new parliament in the last stage of the reform process that began last March by King Mohammed VI had its peak in the adoption of the new Constitution on July 1 in a referendum. The new constitution, which limits the powers of the monarch, Parliament’s role expands and stipulates that the prime minister will lead the largest party.

So, 13, 6 million Moroccans are asked to vote to elect 395 members of the House of Representatives from among 7102 candidates spread over 92 districts and 1546 lists. For these early elections, the 31 parties that have chosen to attend an extensive renovation of their lists, approaching some of the major parties, as the Istiqlal, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) and the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USPF) to 50 percent.

Moreover, in the context of renewal Moroccan parties seem to want to make the country’s political life, more than half of applicants are under 45 years. Thus, those between 35 and 45 years represent 30, 15 percent, and those who are under 35 years account for 27, 09 percent. Those over 55 years now represent only 15, 16 percent, while those between 45 and 55 years account for 27, 6 percent.

Furthermore, almost half of the candidates who attend these elections have higher educational level (46, 42 percent), while 38, 62 percent have high school and 12, 14 percent have studied only primary . The candidates represent only 2 illiterate, 82 percent, according to data published by ‘Le Matin’.

Coalitions and alliances

Since Morocco is prohibited by law opinion polling, it is difficult to predict what will be the most voted party in this election, especially important on this occasion, as their ranks who will receive a commission from the king to form the new government and not necessarily be their leader, as the Constitution stipulates that proceed “in the lead party in the elections (…) and taking into account their results.”

This seems to imply that in addition to come from the largest party, the candidate for prime minister should have the necessary support in the House, hence the main formations that have chosen to maintain their traditional coalitions or form new ones.

Against these, “the PJD is presenting the ‘third way’ between the revolution and the uncertainty of the current system,” argues one of its leaders, Mustapha Jalfi, told the BBC. “Introducing the path of reform without losing stability, national unity, but at the same time promoting the democratic agenda of Morocco,” he says.

In any case, the party’s general secretary, Abdelilá Benkirane, has left the door open for a possible approach to the Koutla, the historic coalition comprising the Istiqlal (conservative), the USPF and the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) currently in the government , but “not ruling out the possibility of initiating contacts with all the protagonists.”

However, Benkirane has found that partnerships have been formed for these elections are “against nature”, with the exception of Koutla. PJD leader was referring to the new Alliance for Democracy (APD), created last month and encompassing eight different political formations.

The current finance minister and leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), Salahedine Mezouar, has emerged as its most visible and there are many who see him as the future prime minister, while one of its strengths is the Party Authenticity and Modernity (PAM). This training was created in 2008 by Fouad El Himma, a personal friend of Mohamed VI, has reaped good results in local elections and was one of the reasons why the king, apparently welcomes this coalition.

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Also part of this coalition Popular Movement (MP) party currently participates in the government of Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi (Istiqlal) and the Socialist Party (PS), Green Left Party (PGV), Labour Party ( PT), Party of Renaissance and Virtue (PRV) and the Constitutional Union (UC).

The formation of the APD, as explained by the Secretary General of PAM, Cheikh Mohamed Biadilá has been motivated by the desire to reach voters “our common vision from the standpoint of both the speech and the program” and to promote “the polarization of the political scene.” However, the eight formations have presented separate lists for tomorrow’s vote.

As for the Istiqlal, the other major force in Morocco, it seems that Abbas el Fassi as Prime Minister would not repeat. Thus, in case of a victory of this party talks and other names like Transport Minister Karim Ghellab, Minister of Economic Affairs, Nizar Baraka, the former Minister of Tourism and Adil Douiri.

Abstention and Boycott

But the elections this Friday could have an unexpected guest: abstention. This is perhaps the biggest shadow plans, since a high abstention rate could be interpreted as a rejection of the reforms made by King Mohamed VI.

In any case, the Moroccans, apparently disillusioned with their politicians, also abstained en masse in the 2007 elections, in which only 37 percent voted for the census.

But this time there is another factor to take into account the boycott call made ​​by the February 20 Movement, created emulating the protest groups that toppled regimes Egypt and Tunisia last winter, but in Morocco has not had many followers, bringing together a few thousand people in its manifestations.

“We call for a boycott because the Constitution is not democratic and (…) allows the master to the Royal House authorities military , executive, judicial and religious, “said Najib Chawki, an activist of this movement, to Reuters . “The Home Office continues to monitor these elections, we saw the return of politicians infamous for his involvement in corruption cases as candidates,” he notes.

In this appeal has joined Morocco’s main Islamist party, Justice and Charity, banned by the authorities. “What purpose do these elections? Are they really a mechanism for devolution of power?” Considers this training in a statement. “The political, constitutional and legal emptied of any essence democratic elections,” he notes.

Moreover, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Wednesday to the Moroccan authorities to stop harassing people calling for a boycott of the elections because, as recalled the director of the organization’s Middle East and North Africa Sarah Leah Whitson, are also on their “right”.

“The right to freely elect and campaign” also includes, according to Whitson, “the right to vote and encourage others to do the same.” “Harassing people who support the boycott is as bad as harass those who support a particular party or candidate,” he lamented in a statement.

Morocco between good and evil. Vote or to boycott

In a country where just adopted a constitution that enshrines human rights and values, the separation of powers, freedom of political participation, when the first legislative elections held, evil is represented by the caller to boycott
Mjahdi Abdelkrim’s opinion, a research professor on elections being held this Friday in Morocco, it acquires a relevant interest. This is your opinion:
On the eve of legislative elections in Morocco early, participation or boycott is the topic has been hotly debated. The participation rate is the determining factor for the success of the electoral process and the evidence to give credibility to the next Parliament to be elected by the vote . This strip down to the streets to demonstrate against the old practice of Makhzen system which requested the dissolution of Parliament, the cessation of the current government , an effective fight against corruption, despotism and mismanagement of public goods was more or less successful but apparently change his true intentions were not entirely constructive as we surprised them with a call to boycott the elections. This irresponsible decision et in bad faith, encourages Moroccans to adapt a negative attitude miscalculated and misleading. The “February 20 movement” and its instigators would be pleased, no doubt, a low turnout election this Friday but free and responsible Moroccans will not make this favor for the sole reason to exercise their right to vote and actively participate in good governance that gives the new constitution, agreed by 98% of votes .

It is noteworthy that these choices are conditioned by a particular context, the so-called “Arab Spring”, which has shown its dark side and its limits in the case of Libya and Egypt that is immersed in popular discontent and a political crisis that has no prospects clear for a better future. After the fall of the Mubarak regime, the people of Egypt took back the streets to express their anger and dissatisfaction, raising fears about the return of violence and instability. The Moroccan people has opted for a “soft spring” has shown the sense of responsibility and political maturity that characterizes him, insisting on the need to preserve the achievements of stability and development activities, and involved in the process of reforms building on the momentum created by the unanimous adoption of the new Constitution on 1 in July 2011. While the new Constitution guarantees the democratic process with serenity et probity, an unhappy Menorca opted by the marginalization and isolation making the deaf to ignore what happens on the neighboring countries. The train of change in Morocco has undertaken path and a last chance this pair is still available through participation and minority vote.

This strip down to the streets to demonstrate against the old practice of Makhzen system which requested the dissolution of parliament, ending the current government, an effective fight against corruption, despotism and mismanagement of public goods was more or less successful but apparently change his true intentions were not entirely constructive as we surprised them with a call to boycott the elections. This irresponsible decision et in bad faith, encourages Moroccans to adapt a negative attitude miscalculated and misleading.

The train of change in Morocco has undertaken path and a last chance this pair is still available through minority participation and the polls
The “February 20 movement” and its instigators would be pleased, no doubt , a low turnout election this Friday but free and responsible Moroccans will not make this favor for the sole reason to exercise their right to vote and actively participate in good governance that gives the new constitution, agreed by 98% of votes.

The minority who opted for the isolation to the detriment of the membership and participation for no reason is wrong by comparison with Tunisia unfounded or this or that country. The only concern would be to reach Morocco’s participation rate that exceeds that of the last legislative elections of 2007 and therefore continue with clear ideas and the will expressed in the democratic process and that the history gave reason for countries moving slowly but with sure steps.

The UN calls on Syria to explain the numerous reports of torture and mutilation of children

The abuses would be producing under “the direct orders of public authorities, for their instigation or with the consent and knowledge”
A huge banner in support of the Syrian leader Bashar Asad in the center of Damascus (Syria). (AFP / SANA) Enlarge

The abuses would be producing under “direct orders from authorities in public by his instigation or with the consent and knowledge. ”
“As a country that has ratified the Convention against Torture, the information must be provided by the authorities,” said Claudio Grossman.
The C Omit against Torture of the UN on Friday expressed alarm at the widespread violations of human rights in Syria and the impunity enjoyed by perpetrators, as well as the allegations of torture and maiming of children detained by the forces of order.

The chairman of that committee, the Chilean Claudio Grossman, said the group he heads “has received numerous reports of consistent and widespread violations” in Syria , where peaceful demonstrations against the regime have resulted in a brutal armed repression that has lasted nearly of nine months .
The abuse takes place by order of the authorities or with the consent stressed that in the complaints received suggest a pattern of abuse , which include the torture of detainees, attacks against the civilian population systematically, the killing of demonstrators and use peaceful excessive force against them, and the persecution of activists .

“We are causing particular concern reports of children who have suffered torture and mutilation have been detained while , “said the lawyer, who was twice president of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights .

He recalled that one of the most disturbing aspects of the case of Syria is that it would be alleged abuses taking place under “the direct orders of public authorities , at its instigation or in any case, with their consent and knowledge. ”

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Given the gravity of the situation, Grossman said the committee has formally asked Syria to respond to these complaints and provide information about the latest in March next year. The case of Syria will be treated in a special way at the next committee meeting in May.

Syria is not obliged to accept a visit by UN control Asked about the possibility that the regime at that time Syrian Bashar al-Assad has fallen and the authorities are others, Grossman explained that, as a country that has ratified the Convention Against Torture , the information must be provided by the authorities in office.

Syria ratified the said convention, but with reservations, as stating that under no obligation to accept the visits of experts from the UN’s human rights, why the committee members can not plan for the time to visit the country .

The participation rate in elections in Morocco is at 22.4% in the afternoon

Only 22, 4 percent of the 13, 6 million Moroccans registered to vote in parliamentary elections on Friday in Morocco have gone to the polls until 15:00 hours, missing only four hours for schools close their doors at 19:00, according to the latest data from the participation rate offered by the Ministry of Interior in a statement.

The Moroccans are called to the polls Friday to elect a new parliament in the last stage of the reform process started last March by King Mohamed VI, which had its peak in the adoption of the new Constitution on 1 July referendum. The new constitution, which limits the powers of the monarch, Parliament’s role expands and stipulates that the prime minister come from the largest party.

A high abstention rate could be interpreted as a rejection of the reforms made by the king, while the Moroccans, apparently disillusioned with their politicians, also abstained en masse in the 2007 elections, in which only 37 percent voted of the census.

But this time there is another factor to take into account the boycott call made ​​by the February 20 Movement, created emulating the protest groups that toppled regimes Egypt and Tunisia last winter, but in Morocco has not had many followers, bringing together a few thousand people in its manifestations. In this appeal has joined Morocco’s main Islamist party, Justice and Charity, forbidden by the authorities .

Although the information has been revealed to the course of the day the Ministry of Interior, there have been several political leaders have relied on the participation rate finally exceeded that of previous elections.

One has been the Minister of Communication and member of the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), Khalid Naciri, who was convinced that the Moroccans are fully aware that their vote are exercising a right and shaping its future and has therefore relied on to have a higher turnout than in 2007.

WIN THE TRUST PJD

For his part, Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), Abdelilá Benkirane, has confidence that these elections are the beginning of a “new era of democracy” to Morocco and hopes his moderate Islamist training, is the most voted.

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“Vote for the PJD means a vote for a program to solve the problems facing the country, mainly in education and health,” said, as recorded by the MAP, while wished that there is a high rate participation.

Analysts believe that the PJD would be the most voted in this election, in the wake of what happened in Tunisia with the moderate Islamist Ennahda training also, who won the recent elections to the Assembly Constituent Assembly.

The first secretary of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP, in the Government ), Abdelwahed Radi, stressed after casting his vote that “the message of Morocco to the world is that democracy is still the best way to solve the problems. ”

Outgoing Prime Minister and Istiqlal leader Abbas El Fassi, was confident the new leadership to emerge to ensure the spirit of the new Constitution and acknowledged that the campaign has generated great enthusiasm among the citizens who, he are already opted for a particular party before the vote.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS, the Government ), Mohamed Nabil Benabdalá has confidence that the elections to serve “the reconciliation of Moroccan society and politics with parties and for greater credibility of the institutions. ”

In statements to the agency MAP after voting in Rabat, Benabdalá has relied on has a larger share than in 2007 and the elections that arise “a more credible parliament and a strong government capable of meeting the country’s major problems” .

Economy Minister and Chairman of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), Salaheddine Mezouar, which is given as a favorite to become the new prime minister, has stressed that the country is “a new stage of its democratic process” .