By Sater James, The Middle East Journal, 2009
This article investigates the relationship between electoral politics and the establishment of democratic values as the Moroccan regime seeks new means to sustain and legitimize its basis of power. The author outlines the electoral strategies used by the monarchy to maintain control of the process. This includes ensuring that no hegemonic bloc is created, limiting nationalists’ electoral influence, creating political parties sanctioned by the monarchy and orchestrating the vote count. The author argues that such actions have increased voter resentment and impacted turnout which has dropped to 15% in 2002 from 37% in 2007.The author cautions that such practices may ultimately undermine the reforms and democracy promised by the king.
Download the Article: [HTML]
