Morocco-2021 Elections: Higher turnout than in 2016 reflects Moroccans’ desire for change

The turnout rate of the legislative, regional and local elections held Sept.08 in Morocco reached 50.35 pc, a rate higher than the 43% turnout in the 2016 polls, an increase that shows that Moroccans want change.

 

Commenting the sky-high turnout, Aziz Akhannouch, Head of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), said the participation of more voters in these elections means that Moroccans want change and shows their interest in consolidating the democratic process.

 

Moroccans’ strong participation in the September 8 elections demonstrates their aspiration for change and reflects their awareness of the importance of these events, he said at the headquarters of his party in Rabat.

 

The president of the RNI also underlined that “the number of voters has increased this year to reach approximately 8.780 million people, or more than two million voters compared to 2016. It is, in this regard, an increase of 30%, in both registered voters and participation rate”. These are major indicators as to “the important interest that voters give to the democratic process of our country,” he said.

 

“Our country has met the challenge of holding these elections on time and in normal conditions, despite of the exceptional situation triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

Speaking to reporters after casting his vote in these elections, Secretary-General of the Party of Justice & Development (PJD) Saad Eddine El Otmani said these elections would lead to a change at all levels.

For his part, Secretary General of the Istiqlal Party, Nizar Baraka, stressed the importance of the Sept. 8 polls as Morocco is facing several challenges related to its national cause, the impact of Covid-19 on economic growth and the implementation of the new development model.

 

Chief of the Authenticity & Modernity Party (PAM), Abdellatif Ouahbi, told reporters that the goal of these elections is to strengthen further the democratic process engaged in the country.

 

The same viewpoint was voiced by Mohand Laenser, Head of the Popular Movement (MP). He affirmed that the polls are an opportunity to consolidate Moroccan democracy.

 

Head of the Constitutional Union (UC) Mohamed Sajid said Morocco has made exceptional efforts by holding these elections as planned despite the constraints related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

For Chief of the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) Driss Lachgar, these elections, held amid a global health crisis, will enable the next elected institutions to address current and future challenges.

 

Secretary-General of the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) Mohamed Nabil Benabdellah commended the efforts made by the authorities to ensure a smooth running of these elections.