Morocco: Islamic PJD Party vying for a second term

As Morocco is preparing for Friday’s elections with a roar, the political drama has reached its zenith. Islamic Justice and Development Party (PJD) is looking for a second consecutive term in office after it recorded its first victory in 2011 elections. It was the political turmoil spread in Middle East n 2011 which cleared all obstacles in way of PJD and people favoured a new Constitution under the PJD rule. The balance of power had shifted in many Arab nations.

A second consecutive victory for PJD and the chance to form a new coalition government will be a historic moment in the political arena of the country as it will be the first political party to do so in the history of the kingdom. However, the going is not very smooth as fierce competition is expected from the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) which sits in opposition and is said to have close ties to the palace. The complete absence of Left parties due to some stiff challenges both PJD and PAM are the closest in competition. It is a highly cut throat battle as PJD enjoys urban support and PAM has strong hold on the rural front.

PJD Rule

As per the experts the attraction of PJD has come down although it had triumphantly tackled the Arab Spring revolutionary wave and was able to convert the challenge into visible reform. Also, as there is no looming threat of any unrest or uprising the monarchy will be unwilling to work with PJD leader Abdillah Benkirane as a partner. It was the PJD which assisted and helped the monarchical institution of the country to circumvent the pressures of youth uprisings in the region. The monarchy has been further fortified due to the Arab Spring. Although PJD delivered on many fronts like economic reforms but the structural problems are still evident especially the ones linked to unemployment, corruption, political apathy, social opportunity, royal fortunes etc. There is not much advancement in basic rights. It has lowered the budget-deficit considerably and also brought down the cost of subsidising the goods which had not been addressed by any previous government. The regime has become more powerful in the last few years as it has successfully presented itself towards implementation of democratic machinery. Despite this progress many activists still face stiff resistance and human rights organisations face repression and subsequent bans by the government.