Islamists may win Morroco elections

In the second elections prompted by the Arab Spring, Morocco held a historic vote Friday under a new, democratic constitution that will see King Mohammed VI cede some of his powers to an elected government for the first time. Zia Haq reports.

In the second elections prompted by the Arab Spring, Morocco held a historic vote Friday under a new, democratic constitution that will see King Mohammed VI cede some of his powers to an elected government for the first time.

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Just as in Tunisia, many expect a moderate Islamist party, the PJD, to be a front-runner in Morocco, mainly because of its anti-corruption image.

If so, this will only bolster the view that the preferred option of newly democratised masses in the Arab world is an Islamist one.

Nearly 1,200 candidates from 32 political parties are vying for 395 parliament seats, with 13.6 million Moroccans registered to vote.

This is the first Moroccan poll being held under a new, reformed constitution prompted by protests for democracy from groups, such as the February 20 movement. It allows Parliament, rather than the king, to control government actions, barring security defence and religion.