MOROCCAN ISLAMISTS SEE POLL GAINS !
Opposition Islamists in Morocco claim they are on course to emerge as the largest party from the parliamentary polls, based on initial results.
The Party of Justice and Development (PJD) alleged its weaker-than-expected gains so far were down to the ruling secular elite buying votes.
PJD leader Saadeddine Othmani insisted: "We will still be the biggest party."
The PJD has sought to convince outsiders they are not extremists who would make Morocco an Islamic state.
Its leaders said that based on partial results from Friday's vote, they would win between 52 and 55 seats, up from 42 seats in the outgoing parliament.
However, they had been hoping to double their seats in the 325-seat parliament.
Poor turnout
The official result is expected to be known on Sunday.
Voters chose candidates from more than 30 parties, about a dozen of whom were expected to make it to parliament.
Political analysts say the PJD, which ran on an anti-corruption ticket, could win cabinet seats if it does emerge as the biggest party.
The centre-left USFP won the last election, and was joined by conservative-leaning Istiqlal in a ruling coalition.
Morocco has escaped the violence that besets Algeria next door. Turnout was estimated at 41% of the 15 million voters, the lowest in Morocco's young democratic history.
But since most power is still held by the monarchy in Morocco, analysts say it is not the elections that need attention but constitutional reform.
The BBC's Richard Hamilton in the capital, Rabat, says it was no mean feat that the polls were spared disruption from extremists.
Morocco has escaped the kind of unrest that plagues neighbouring Algeria, where a car bomb on Saturday killed nearly 30 people.
Many Moroccans feel the government has not done enough to eradicate widespread poverty, unemployment and corruption, our correspondent says.
PJD leaders have visited Washington to defuse any fears that the party could harbour a secret radical agenda.
Just days ago, the US granted nearly $700m (£350m) in economic aid to Morocco.
The US is keen to encourage moderates to counter the threat posed by more extreme movements in North Africa, say political observers.
BBC NEWS REPORT.
The Party of Justice and Development (PJD) alleged its weaker-than-expected gains so far were down to the ruling secular elite buying votes.
PJD leader Saadeddine Othmani insisted: "We will still be the biggest party."
The PJD has sought to convince outsiders they are not extremists who would make Morocco an Islamic state.
Its leaders said that based on partial results from Friday's vote, they would win between 52 and 55 seats, up from 42 seats in the outgoing parliament.
However, they had been hoping to double their seats in the 325-seat parliament.
Poor turnout
The official result is expected to be known on Sunday.
Voters chose candidates from more than 30 parties, about a dozen of whom were expected to make it to parliament.
Political analysts say the PJD, which ran on an anti-corruption ticket, could win cabinet seats if it does emerge as the biggest party.
The centre-left USFP won the last election, and was joined by conservative-leaning Istiqlal in a ruling coalition.
Morocco has escaped the violence that besets Algeria next door. Turnout was estimated at 41% of the 15 million voters, the lowest in Morocco's young democratic history.
But since most power is still held by the monarchy in Morocco, analysts say it is not the elections that need attention but constitutional reform.
The BBC's Richard Hamilton in the capital, Rabat, says it was no mean feat that the polls were spared disruption from extremists.
Morocco has escaped the kind of unrest that plagues neighbouring Algeria, where a car bomb on Saturday killed nearly 30 people.
Many Moroccans feel the government has not done enough to eradicate widespread poverty, unemployment and corruption, our correspondent says.
PJD leaders have visited Washington to defuse any fears that the party could harbour a secret radical agenda.
Just days ago, the US granted nearly $700m (£350m) in economic aid to Morocco.
The US is keen to encourage moderates to counter the threat posed by more extreme movements in North Africa, say political observers.
posted by jackaranda at 7:24 pm
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