Observers cry foul in Morocco's parliamentary elections
2007-09-16
Berlin-based Democracy Reporting International (DRI) brought attention to several cases of corruption in its preliminary report on Morocco's September 7th parliamentary elections. In a statement on Friday (September 14th), DRI said many politicians and civil society groups complained of corrupt practices and favouritism towards certain candidates. DRI said the polls were more transparent than the previous ones, but said the final results could be put to question as no detailed vote count for each constituency has been published. The DRI statement comes only a day after local observers also complained about corruption during the vote. "The honesty of the elections was compromised by pressure exerted on large sectors of the electorate, in particular by the illicit use of money, merchandise and promises," a group of 617 Moroccan associations said in its report, adding that the vote counting proceeded according to the rules.
Email to a friend
Print version
chihab-25 Posted 2007-09-17
Despite what the local and foreign observers are saying about Morocco’s 2007 legislative elections, no one can ignore the fact that, because of the complete neutrality of this territory’s administration, it was the first time these elections were held with such transparency! (It was agents and assistants to the authorities that messed up and caused irregularities or frauded or played favourites in favour of certain people rather than others who could have had a place. And this is incredibly unfortunate for those who were denouncing the elections beforehand, both heads and partisans of what can be called the political parties.) We will definitely establish honesty in our elections in Morocco in the next one or two generations: democracy is achieved in small steps. In Morocco the steam engine of democracy has once and for all been put on track for a new era, supervised by the young and constructive spirit of a younger Morocco. –Chihab, age 25
We welcome your comments on Magharebia's articles.
It is our hope that you will use this forum to interact with other readers across the Maghreb. In order to keep this experience interesting, we ask you to follow the rules outlined in the comments policy. By submitting comments, you are consenting to these rules. While Magharebia.com encourages discussion on all subjects, including sensitive ones, the comments posted are solely the views of those submitting them. Magharebia.com does not necessarily endorse or agree with the ideas, views, or opinions voiced in these comments. This is a moderated forum. Comments deemed abusive, offensive, or those containing profanity may not be published.
Magharebia's Comments Policy