| 
Morocco bound in quasi-democracy
- As expected, Morocco's moderate Islamist group, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) headed by Abdelilah Benkirane, has emerged on top in the 395-seat lower chamber
- The new constitution, approved by national referendum in July, requires King Mohammed VI to name the leader of the winning party as Prime Minister — instead of nominating anyone he pleased.
- Mr. Benkirane becomes the second moderate Islamist leader to win an election since the start of the pro-democracy uprisings in West Asia and North Africa, the first being Rachid Ghannouchi, whose An-Nahda party won in Tunisia a month ago.
- The vibrant Tunisian election saw 90 per cent turnout in some areas while the Moroccan poll took place amid widespread cynicism and allegations of fraud.
- Subsequent concessions such as the transfer of many powers to the prime minister have failed to inspire many voters. Furthermore, the monarch retains control of foreign policy, security, and religion. Mr. Benkirane, for his part, will face economic problems
- despite constitutional recognition of civic and social equality to supplement political equality, women continue to suffer subjugation and discrimination in a very traditional society.
