Sweden / Elections in Morocco important step towards greater democracy

STOCKHOLM, Sweden, December 1, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Elections in Morocco important step towards greater democracy

“The parliamentary elections in Morocco are an important step in the country's democratisation process. I am pleased that the elections were conducted in a peaceful and transparent manner,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The recent constitutional reform in the country strengthens protection for human rights and has given more power to the parliament and the prime minister. According to the provisional results of last Friday's elections, 65 of 395 seats in the Moroccan parliament have been won by women. The leader of the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), Abdelilah Benkirane, will in all likelihood form a coalition government in the near future.

“The new parliament and government will have an important part to play in following up the comprehensive political, economic and social reforms that have been intiated in Morocco. It is particularly important that women and young people are included in this process. Norway will support these reforms in dialogue with the country's authorities and civil society actors,” said Mr Støre.