European Forum

A new party sweeps local polls in Morocco

On June 12th local elections took place in Morocco. The major winner according to preliminary results is a new political party grouping King Mohammed's staunchest supporters.
With more than 80 percent of seats counted, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) had 4,854 seats, ahead of the governing Istiqlal (Independence) party with 4,246. The top five looks as follows:

Authenticity and Moderntity Party (PAM) – 21.7%
Istiqlal (Independence) Party – 19.1%
National Assembly of Independents (RNI) – 14.8%
Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) – 11.6%
Popular Movement (MP) – 8%

Smaller results included the Democratic Left Alliance - with the Avant-Garde Democratic and Social Party (PADS), the National Congress Party (CNI) and the United Socialist Party (PSU) - who received a little under 2% constituting 441 seats in local councils.

PAM, created last year by lawmakers from five parties, has positioned itself as an alternative to both opposition Islamists and Istiqlal, and has sought to combat voter apathy with promises to follow through on policy commitments. The party was created by Fouad Ali Himma, a former deputy interior minister and close friend of the king, who has won strong backing at home and abroad for reforms to combat poverty, improve the business climate and bolster women's rights.

Widespread disillusionment and cynicism toward traditional parties may have played a role in the results. Critics of Istiqlal Prime Minister Abbas el Fassi say his administration lacks energy and direction. The government lost its parliamentary majority last month when PAM withdrew support. Some other factors that have been named are the party’s close relation with the king, the large number and scattered character of leftist parties and the suggestion that the electoral climate was dominated mainly by money and religion.

A proportional voting system makes it almost impossible for a single party to gain outright control of one town and control of local councils often depends on deals between parties after the vote. Final provisional results are yet to be released.

Sources: Maghreb Politics Review, Maghrebinfo, Reuters, Maghreb Arabe Presse, Magharebia

Photo: Amazinghworld.org