Morocco Votes in Test of King’s Post-Arab Spring Reforms: Q&A
- Moderate Islamist party expected to win second term in power
- King Mohammed remains pre-eminent force in nation’s politics
Supporters of the ruling Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) gather during a party meeting ahead of the upcoming parliamentary election, on Oct. 6. Morocco will elect a parliament on October 7, 2016 for the first time since an Islamist-led government took office following Arab Spring uprisings that toppled leaders across the region. / AFP / FADEL SENNA (Photo credit should read FADEL SENNA/AFP/Getty Images)
Photographer: Fadel Senna/AFP via Getty ImagesMoroccans head to the polls on Friday to vote for a new parliament, the kingdom’s second legislative election since the Arab Spring, when as elsewhere across the Middle East protesters took to the streets demanding change.
Balloting will be a test of the political system ushered in by King Mohammed VI as anger roiled the region in 2011. The monarch was quick to introduce constitutional amendments that delegated some of his near-absolute powers to a prime minister. That helped Morocco avoid the violent unrest that swept other leaders from power, and embark on a path of economic reform. Here’s a look at the main contenders and possible outcomes.