In recent months there have been a spate of articles published around the world, suggesting that Morocco is at the crossroads. Change has been promised but, in many cases, there has been a failure to deliver. Much is written about the need for HM Mohammed VI to push through real reforms and crack down on cronyism. Too often there have been beginnings to reform and yet a failure to complete them. This is having a negative effect on the political process and leaving the younger generation apathetic about politics.
Anouar Boukhars, writing in the Daily Star, from Lebanon, has much to say about the problem. He is visiting professor of political science and director of the Center for Defense and Security Policy at Wilberforce University. He is also editor of Wilberforce Quarterly Journal.
The current generation of young adults still complains of the old practices of privilege, nepotism and cronyism that have plagued the Moroccan government for decades. Even the much-trumpeted official anti-corruption campaigns have met resistance in the inefficient and corrupt government bureaucracies. The powerlessness of elected institutions has created a public suspicion of change and widespread political apathy.
To meet the needs of a predominantly young and restless population, the monarchy needs to reform itself within a framework of laws and pluralistic democratic values. The political parties are in desperate need of reform as well. They are internally fragmented and unable to forge far-reaching opposition alliances for political transformation. Their aging leadership is perceived as too pliant, complacent and no longer capable of connecting with voters' everyday concerns. There were some recent tentative moves by the small parties of the left to regroup into one bloc called the Rally of the Democratic Left, but even this attempt failed to entice the main Socialist Party into joining the merger. It is imperative for the parties of the left and right to regroup to achieve a working majority.
As Morocco gears up for the 2007 parliamentary elections, its political system faces two major challenges. One is related to the growing apathy and disillusionment of average Moroccans with politicians. The other has to do with political and human rights that are still lagging behind, despite the significant improvement in the status of women and the cultural rights of Berbers. The year 2007 thus represents an opportunity for the creation of a national pact that could help strengthen reforms already in motion and regain the confidence of the electorate.
The full article can be read here: Daily Star.
Tags: Morocco Fes, Maghreb news
No comments:
Post a Comment