Despite frustration with its economic policy and conservative stances, the preliminary count of the votes shows a victory of the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) which came first in Morocco’s general elections taking 99 seats followed by its arch rival, the liberal Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) with 80 seats. The preliminary results also show the de facto polarization of the Moroccan political scene between the Islamists and liberals. The Moroccan political spectrum makes it impossible for a party to win sweeping majority. The tight race will make it tough for the PJD to form a government coalition. These legislative elections, hailed unanimously by the leaders of Moroccan political parties as well as by international observers as transparent and free, have once again showed that Morocco represents an exceptional model in an uncertain regional environment.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 08, 2016 13:07 UTC