On Tuesday the Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) became the 2^nd moderate Islamic to lead a North African government since the start of the Arab Spring uprisings after it won the parliamentary elections in Morocco. This was after the ruler of Morocco King Mohammed gave away some of his powers to avoid any protests which have occurred in the likes of Syria and Egypt.

The PJD, whose support is largely based among Morocco’s poor hopes to push Islamic finance but vows to steer clear of imposing a strict moral code on society. It however did not win by absolute majority and will have to join forces with others to form a government.

According to party report they have won in Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier, Kenitra, Sale, BeniMellal and Sidi Ifni although government officials were unable to confirm this.

Some 13.6 million Moroccans out of a population of about 33 million were registered to vote in the country’s ninth election since independence from France in 1956.

The king revived a reform process this year in which he has handed over more powers to the government, although he retains the final say on the economy, security and religion.

Economists are keen to see the polls which would lead to the creation of a organized government that would be able to narrow a growing budget deficit, cut a 30-percent-plus youth unemployment rate and address the needs of 8.5 million impoverished Moroccans.

Moderate Islamists claim Moroccan election win

Report by Adhir Roy Chowdury