Once again, giving the lie to the notion that Morocco is modern and moderate. “Islamists expect to advance in Morocco local polls,” from the Khaleej Times, June 12:
RABAT – Moroccans voted on Friday in a local election that opposition Islamists hope will extend their influence in big cities.
The vote is the first major test for the governing coalition of conservatives and socialists since the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) scored its best result in 2007 legislative polls.
The authorities hope to improve on that year’s record-low 37 percent turnout, seen as proof of a widespread disillusionment with party politics that has played into the PJD”s [that is, the Islamists’] hands.
“The attention of top government officials and party leaders will be focused on the turnout rate because they are terrified of a boycott and so-called voter apathy,” said Khaled al Harri, a political analyst.
By midday, voter turnout was over 12 percent, according to the Interior Ministry.
King Mohammed has kept a tight grip on power while loosening restrictions on political activity, improving Morocco’s human rights record and granting women more equality…
All of which is about to change?