Parliamentary elections in Morocco are scheduled to take place November 25, the country's interior ministry announced on Tuesday. The ministry moved up the vote 10 months from a previous schedule so the country could move forward with reforms the government hopes will ensure a Tunisian and Egyptian style protest movement does not break out. Morocco's King Mohamed VI has repeatedly said he wants early elections to enact the reforms, approved in a referendum last month. The measures would see him hand some of his powers to elected officials while retaining a decisive say in strategic decisions. A number of political parties argue more time is needed to make sure the vote is fraud-proof. “The next parliamentary elections will take place on Friday, Nov 25, at the end of consultations with political parties over the electoral laws,” said the ministry in a statement carried by official news agency MAP. The reforms are intended to satisfy a demand for greater democracy and reduce the risk of street protests like those that swept leaders from power in Tunisia and Egypt this year. In a July 30 television address, the 47-year old king said the constitutional changes should be implemented swiftly. “Any delay may jeopardize this dynamic of trust and squander opportunities offered by the new reform,” the king said. “It's important to start with the election of a new parliament so that we can proceed … with the appointment of a head of the government.” BM
