When a German film crew was shooting a documentary on Casablanca in spring of 2005 they were shocked when a stockbroker at Casablanca's exchange told them that there would be no political or economic reforms until the elections of 2007 - everyone was waiting for the elections to provide the path for the large scale structural changes the country so badly needed. So Morocco's September 7 elections were much anticipated, with the showing of the Islamist Party of Justice and Democracy (PJD) being a barometer of continuing moderation (poor showing) or extremisim. There were optimistic projections of turnouts of as high as 70% with most expecting at least 50%. The PJD did not approach their goal, and there were other surprises as well with the coalation leader USFP failing to get into the top ranks. The "no shows" won in the turnout category - 37% of the eligible voters did so. The big winner was the independence party - Istiqlal. Ever the optimist, I ventured to a Moroccan friend that the 37% turnout at least indicated that people weren't paid to vote...he said, "don't be naive, Kathy, there was still money, people are just apathetic about the government." With 33 parties I guess I can understand the frustration. Once the election was over, the King was expected to name the Prime Minister within a week...well it extended to just under two weeks. The choice, Istiqlal party chief Abbas el Fassi was very, very politicaly correct...but a disappointment to many expecting someone younger, more dynamic and reform oriented. Since el Fassi was named the politicians have been locked in discussions which only exacerbate the schisms in all the parties between the younger realists and the old guard. Here in Casablanca waiting...waiting...waiting to see the composition of the new cabinet - but no one seems to be on the edge of their seats with anticipation...we'll soon hear from stockbrokers on the exchange that nothing is going to happen here until the elections of 2012! |
