Morocco to Hold Vote
Morocco will go to the polls in September to cast ballots on the modernization program of King Mohammed VI. This may prove to be a referendum of the King’s current program. The Islamist PJD (Party of Justice and Development) expects to win at least 60 seats in the election even though a governmental movement might keep the Islamists out.
The king, who retains control even with a parliamentary government, would have the choice as to whether or not to put a PJD party member in the Prime Minister role.
Morocco has non-NATO status, and is well thought of by the European Union and the US for having Free Trade agreements already established. Morocco has become a player in the global economy. The EU is currently Morocco’s largest trading partner. Morocco’s economy grew by 6% last year.
The year 2007 will see promising growth because of trade agreements and foreign investment. Morocco and Tunisia are the only Arab countries that are in the world’s globalization index.
Morocco’s King Mohammed VI is working hard to bring his country’s standard of living up from where it was during the 1990s. Per capita income rose to $2000. The Moroccan government has strived diligently to make things better for its citizens with almost all of its primary aged children now in school. Additionally, infant mortality rates have dropped and life expectancy has increased.
Under the King’s ruling, reforms such as rights for women have been established despite objections from the religious conservatives. The King has also fought against poverty and rural unemployment.
Morocco, a Muslim country, is tolerant of other religions. Jews and Christians can worship and hold gatherings. The country enacted tough anti-terrorism laws and has increased police on the streets. King Mohammed VI, a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed and a devout Muslim, is married with two children.
Media coverage of the upcoming elections will probably tell more about the rise of the Islamists instead of the Morocco’s growth. Other countries have already proven that Islam and democracy can work side by side.
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