Moroccan Elections 2009 Intro
Posted by Yassine on January 12, 2009
I can’t resist not blogging once more about the political scene in Morocco. Since my last series of blog-posts about Moroccan politics, things have well changed. The most important of which is Si Fouad’s outgoings: creating a mouvement, going on national tours, and lastly changing the movement to a party! The buzz has been spreading online through multiple websites, a neat bio on wikipedia, and so many groups on facebook. And of course, trouble may come at any time…
Si Abbas, the Kingdom’s prime minister, has also been making the news. Regarded as the odd man out of the new era, he hasn’t yet made any substential change to the course of Moroccan politics. His relation with the press has not been so peaceful and he had to mend it at times as when HE called on “Jeune Afrique” to be interviewed. Some hours ago, Abbas got elected (a 3rd term in office) as the secretery general of his party. According to the party’s constitution, a SG can go only for two terms in office. That brings to mind other Arab world stories….
The next communal elections will be held on June 12th, 2009 as announced by the King. More than 16 million voters will choose some 24,000 counsellors. Candidates representing 30 political parties will run in the elections. But will these elections be any different for the previous one(s)? Will Si Fouad’s party make any change? Will people go to vote? Will the current economic crisis in Morocco and the world affect the way people think about politics?…
Well, there seem to be many questions to answer. So let see how things evolve.
To be continued…
Radwan said
Will Si Fouad’s party make any change? I highly doubt his part has any chance in June, the party has collapsed and continues to contradict itself as it goes, and I think the media played an important role to push it off. Will people go to vote? They should, cause its different from the parliamentary elections and 09 election campaigns are more focused, so any speculations that voters won’t participate is a dry talk and makes no sense? Will the current economic crisis in Morocco and the world affect the way people think about politics? Not only people in morocco but nations allover are affected, but I don’t think the average Moroccans really cares that much anyway.
Peace
Radwan de Ifrane
Yassine said
Thanks Radwan for the comments.
You say “Will people go to vote? They should” I say of course they should, but who can be sure that they will?! I’m not so sure.
The layman in Morocco is not aware how the global world of economics works but the majority puts the blame on the first responsible the see on TV. For them, politicians have their say on oil prices. My point of view is that even if they can’t decide on prices, yet tey can make them change.
I cannot have any clear predictions at this stage. Let’s wait and see how things roll out…
Yassine
Radwan said
Salam Yassine, a pleasure having this discussion with you Sir.
its not optimism that’s driving my prediction regarding the participation in June, its based on simple facts; elections at this scale are responsible for the build up and renew of trust in democracy as a practice in our country. I totally agree with you that most Moroccans (based on actual statistics) are not aware of the structure over the responsibilities, but they certainly know the difference between a BARLAMANI AND MOUSTACHAR. June’s elections will certainly carry plenty of surprises; lack of participation is not one of them. this experience proved to be so corrupted in the past (and will continue in some cases) but the public by now knows that they have the upper hand and I’m sure they will use it wisely this time. otherwise our dear country is in triple fold deep trouble.
Peace
Radwan de Ifrane
Yassine said
My worry is that There might be no one worth voting for. I admit there are many good-willed people ready to make things change in our country but I doubt parties prepared for that. No need to mention examples that you should be familiar with including the “elected” party.
Be it a Mostachar or Barlamani, I believe each one can make a difference at his level first and then the others will be contaminated later.
I remember a movie called “The Butterfly Effect” where little insignificant actions lead to big change in a guy’s life.I believe that politics no exception.
Best,
Yassine
Radwan said
see now we’re taking the conversation to another level. first it is a fact that political parties who participated during king Hassan II worked very hard and allowed it for many of us nowadays the freedom and choices we enjoy, regardless of its limitations. they had character, but whoever is left has gotten reallllly old and that’s a problem, (still too early to judge King M6) but what is even worst, comes from us the young generation that can’t take over nor is it fully qualified. look at the hayLala li Darthha USFP after Sep 07 and you judge the outcome! the intentions were there, but you have to be well prepared and understand your goals, and they might just eventually succeed next time.
So basically when you state that “no one worth voting for” you’re not only adding fuel to the fire, but accordingly surrendering your rights, giving up and losing your right to complain, which is something we’re proud of and very good at
On the other hand, given the identity I have I would say:
إن الله لايغير مابقوم حتى يغيروا مابأنفسهم
that is the surest path to reach that ideal society of course, I agree with you, and that applies for any society seeking true democracy bla bla….but we’re not there as yet, we still lack the common conception of ethics, imagination, creativity o zid o zid. not voting is of no help to the future. the “Butterfly Effect” as mentioned, was based on creating opportunities for little or significant set of events. elections is that opportunity we get once every 5 years…you tell me!!
I will not give you ObamaTivation hope talks as I call it. but I’m curious to understand something: we all agree about our kingdom’s priorities; but why the majority of us Moroccans use patriotism only when it comes to the Sahara, occupied territories or some soccer game? and avoid to be patriotic when it comes to matters that actually are just as important? elections for exp?
Peace
Radwan de Ifrane