Election campaigns get cool reception in Morocco

2007-08-27

Despite resistance from many voters, Morocco's political parties are hitting the streets to campaign for the September 7th elections. Some parties are recycling old methods and promises, while others are displaying a spirit of innovation.

By Imane Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca – 27/08/2007

[Imane Belhaj] Although voter interest appears uncertain, election posters are being posted throughout the country.

Campaigning in preparation for Morocco's September 7th national legislative elections began on Saturday (August 25th). On the first day, political parties enlisted the help of young people to distribute literature and posters on the street in an attempt to convince an increasingly distant electorate to vote. On the second day alleyways in working-class neighbourhoods were filled with party representatives explaining their organisations' electoral platforms. The parties are vying to win the largest share of 325 seats in the House of Representatives. Balloting will take place in 95 electoral districts—four more than in the previous elections in 2002.

In an effort to minimize bias between parties, local community authorities designated suitable sites for posters of candidates and their lists. Some parties named election campaign managers where are entrusted with the task of organising and supervising the course of the party's campaigns.

One campaign manager for a People's Movement candidate said the goal is to enhance interaction with the electorate. Every People's Movement candidate must have a campaign manager that is knowledgeable of the party platform and has both strong morals and a good reputation in the electoral district, the campaign manager said.

These managers received training from a number of international institutions, such as the US's National Democratic Institute and Germany's Friedrich Naumann Foundation.

Hassan Rouhane believes many candidates are afraid to go into the streets to meet the residents because they feel there are strong grievances and resentment against them that could lead to confrontations.

Residents of one neighbourhood in Casablanca's old city are resolved to expel any candidate that might approach their doors. "We know it will be the first and last time we see him there... so there is no need to listen to someone who will no longer listen to us after entering the Parliament at our expense," said head-of-household Mohammed.

Candidates appear unfazed. "I do not believe people are that dissatisfied, and it is sufficient for the candidate to have convincing discourse so others listen to him," said Ali Foudail, a professor and campaign manager for a Party of Progress and Socialism candidate. "As for the complaining that some might display, it could be the doing of the competitors themselves in the same district."

Resistance has nevertheless achieved widespread proportions in some areas, like the El Kbab district of Khénifra province, where a majority of eligible voters refused to retrieve their election cards. Many believe the act was a protest against the government's neglect of the region throughout the previous mandate.

32-year-old Socialist Party hopeful Hassan Khamlichi is executing his campaign in the Al Hoceima region with enthusiasm and optimism, to invite youth to engage in politics. Khamlichi told Magharebia his campaign is centred around his commitment to voters on three main points: commitment to stay in his home city, "especially given that the majority of those [elected] migrated with their families to Rabat, only returning during the electoral votes"; the creation of offices in all areas of the region to receive citizens' problems and complaints and to resolve them in co-operation with the relevant authorities; and a promise to only serve one term, thereby allowing another young person to enter parliament.