As Morocco goes to the polls, ‘the country is in desperate need of change’

Morocco is facing a fundamental choice these days: a second consecutive term in office for the ruling Justice and Development Party (PJD) or a change of government with the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM). We hit the streets of Morocco and Belgium to find out if there’s still confidence in Rabat’s parliament. We spoke with Moroccans in Tangier, Brussels and Ghent.

“Why should I vote, ma’am?”

An estimated 15 million of Morocco’s 34 million people are believed to have registered to vote today, but the first official announcement on the elections by Interior Minister Mohamed Hasad said that the turnout was just 10 per cent so far.

These elections are an important indicator for the Arab world. Morocco is the only Arab and Islamic country that organises elections on a Western level. At the same time, it is the only Arab country where religious parties have had consistently good results at the ballet box, without causing any turmoil or instability in the country.

Straight after the January protests in nearby Tunisia that led to the overthrow of President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali — after the self-immolation of Mohammad Bouazizi which triggered the initial Arab revolution — the “20 February” movement mobilised tens of thousands of Moroccans across 50 towns to demand freedom and democracy. King Mohammed VI responded by promising constitutional reforms, including an independent judiciary, the rule of law and an elected government that reflects the will of the people.

In November 2011, parliamentary elections brought a new government to power, led by Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane and his Justice and Development Party. Another big player in the country was the ever popular Istiqlal (Independence) Party. This time around the PJD is expected to face competition from the PAM, which won local elections in 2015. Although there are more than 30 parties to choose from, the election battle will be between these three main parties.

The elections are taking place whilst Morocco deals with significant problems. Unemployment remains very high. The most reliable figures speak about 30 per cent; 25 per cent are youth aged 18 to 25 years. These figures need to be taken with a pinch of salt, though; the reality is believed to be worse. Many young people are pushed to leave the country to seek a better life abroad, while Morocco needs them badly.

We talked to several students, including Naima, 23, who studies graphic design. “In recent years,” she told us, “little has changed. Is there a chance I’ll find a job in the future, will there be more opportunities for people like me compared to my predecessors?” Naima fears it won’t be the case. Nepotism and corruption still go hand in hand in Morocco. “Jobs go to people who have easy access to the system, it is very demoralising,” she said.

High unemployment is consistent with poverty rates; about 40 per cent of the population is living below the poverty line. Education reforms are in progress, but in the meantime Moroccan schools still come near the bottom of UN reports. Health care is for the rich, while the poor cannot even afford health insurance.

Mariam, 19, can’t finish her studies because her parents can’t afford the fees. Her concerns about the health system are palpable. “I hope I won’t need to go to a public hospital here,” she explained. “What if they have a shortage of supplies? I don’t want to deal with mouldy walls and dirty blankets or sleep on the floor when there’s a shortage of beds. Will the government’s privatisation plan be able to fix this?”

Aside from the classic problems, Morocco also faces a rising threat of extremism and radical Islam. There is an increased terror threat and Moroccan fighters returning from Syria have had a major impact on society and the second largest economic sector in Morocco, tourism. Radicalisation not only dominates debates in Europe; during the last election campaign, the secular PAM accused the Islamic PJD of putting Hammad Kabbaj on its candidate list, “a Salafist who does not believe in democracy”. Salafism hardly had a foothold in Morocco until now. Today, the PAM claims that tolerant Islam is being hijacked by Islamists. According to the secular party, it is impossible to be a Salafist and democrat at the same time.

The monarchy

Morocco remains relatively stable despite such polarisation. King Mohamed VI plays an important role in this. The country is a constitutional monarchy and the king has the ultimate authority. Although the new constitution grants more powers to Benkirane and parliament, the king still retains the power of veto over most government decisions.

Mohamed VI has emerged as one of the most popular kings in the Arab world. With 5 million Moroccans living beyond its borders, he regularly surprises them on the streets of Amsterdam and Paris when he steps out incognito, wearing a hoodie, knitted cap and a pair of jeans. Another important explanation of the monarch’s popularity are his recent speeches in which he called upon Moroccan diaspora communities in Europe and elsewhere to “remain firmly committed to their religious values and to their time-honoured traditions” in confronting terrorism personally. He urged them to serve as “staunch advocates of peace, concord and co-existence in their country of residence.”

According to 19 year-old Mounir, “The king is like a shadow prime minister.” The economics student in Ghent said that he has won many hearts, thanks to his break from the dictatorial policies of his father, the late King Hassan II. “He proved that after he stepped aside following the reforms in 2011,” added Mounir. “He is more oriented to the West than his father.”

People might praise the king but they are still deeply cynical about government, politics and the nation’s elected leaders in a way that has become all too familiar. Brussels poet and writer Taha Adnan, 46, told us: “At a time when people are currently developing the digital voting system, and despite the fact that Chapter 17 of the 2011 constitution expressly provides for the right of Moroccans abroad to vote and stand for election, we are asked to vote by proxy which involves granting a power of attorney. I personally refuse to do that, because it could open the door to all kinds of abuses.”

He believes that aside from the “invisible hand” and manipulations of the “forces of darkness”, eventually any form of electoral manipulations will be unmasked. “Nevertheless, they chose to exclude the Moroccan diaspora and freeze our voice,” explained Adnan. “However, even being excluded from political participation, I call for the new alternative way between the neoliberal and Islamist PJD and the monarchist PAM. The Democratic Left Federatio (FGD) is the only party that could bring real change.”

The FGD is a coalition of three far left-wing parties: the National Ittihadi Congress Party, the Socialist Democratic Vanguard Party and the Unified Socialist Party (PSU), and it is building momentum to form a left-wing political force.

Whoever we spoke to in recent weeks, both within and outside Morocco, there were very few who believe that a new government will alter the political landscape in a meaningful way and bring real change. Thirty-two year-old civil engineer Khalid from Tangier distrusts the system. “I do not see why I should go to the polls, ma’am,” he said. “I never did and I never will. I went to college and have been unemployed since then. What did politicians do for me or my family? It’s a just a big theatre play.”

Housewife Khadija, aged 47 and the mother of two unemployed sons from Fnideq, disagrees with Khalid and Taha. “Voting makes a difference,” she insisted. “I’m worried about my sons who felt lost, got radicalised and couldn’t find their place in society. My nephew left for Syria in 2012. He was arrested upon his return. He was released from prison recently but became addicted to drugs and has mental health problems.”

Does the government follow up on this lost generation; did it ever offer them options for their future? According to Khadija, not voting is not an option. “Problems need to be faced, and hopefully the authorities will listen to our voices and offer solutions,” she concluded optimistically. “Insha’Allah, time will tell.”

The Justice and Development Party has since won a second term in office as the government of Morocco.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Monitor.