Moroccan parliamentary election, 2011
Encyclopedia
An early parliamentary election was held in Morocco
on 25 November 2011, brought forward from 2012 and then postponed from 7 October 2011.
Public protests as part of the Arab Spring
in February 2011 led King Mohammed VI
to announce an early election, a process of constitutional reform granting new civil rights, and the relinquishing of some of his administrative powers. Following a referendum
on 1 July 2011, the new constitution was ratified on 13 September.
Of the Lower House of Parliament
's 395 seats, 305 were elected from party lists in 92 constituencies and the additional 90 seats were elected from a national list, with two thirds reserved for women and the remaining third reserved for men under the age of 40.
30 parties participated in the elections, 18 of which gained seats. The vast majority of seats was won by three political groups: the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party
(PJD); an eight-party "Coalition for Democracy" (lead by the RNI) headed by Morocco's incumbent minister of finance Salaheddine Mezouar
; and the Koutla
("Coalition") alliance of the incumbent prime minister Abbas El Fassi
.
Results of the election were announced on 27 November 2011. The Justice and Development party won 107 seats, giving it the largest parliamentary representation, although not a majority. According to the new constitution, this made its leader, Abdelillah Benkirane, prime minister-designate.
's reign. They were characterized by a relatively low turnout of 37%, 15 points down from that of 2002 (52%). The Socialist Union of Popular Forces
(USFP) - the largest party in the outgoing government - unexpectedly lost 12 of its seats. The Istiqlal Party
came first with 52 seats, ahead of the Justice and Development Party
with 46, despite the latter coming first in terms of number of votes. A coalition of five parties (Istiqlal, Popular movement
, National rally of independents
, Party of Progress and Socialism
and Socialist Union of Popular Forces
) with a narrow combined majority in the House of Representatives formed a government headed by Abbas El Fassi
, the president of the Istiqlal party.
, a youth group (later known as the 20 February movement) and the Islamist organization Al Adl Wa Al Ihssane
called for a day of protests. Among the demands of the organisers was that the constitutional role of the king should be "reduced to its natural size". On 20 February, several thousands of people participated in demonstrations across Morocco. On 26 February, a further protest was held in Casablanca
. Further protests were held in Casablanca and Rabat
on 20 March.
On 9 March, King Mohammed announced that he would form a commission to work on constitutional revisions, which would make proposals to him by June, after which a referendum would be held on the draft constitution.
The new constitution, entered into effect on 1 August 2011, created a number of new civil rights, including constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, social equality for women, rights for speakers of minority languages and the independence of judges.
Changes to electoral and administrative law were also significant. The king rescinded his power to appoint prime ministers, obliging himself to appoint a member of the party winning the most seats in a parliamentary election. The office of prime minister, in turn, was given additional powers to appoint senior civil servants and diplomats, in consultation with the king's ministerial council. The prime minster replaced the king as the head of government and chair of the government council, gaining the power to dissolve parliament.
The voting system was also changed so that the number of parliamentary seats decided on a constituency basis was increased from 295 to 305. Additional seats were reserved for election from national party lists, 60 consisting only of female candidates and 30 for male candidates under the age of 40.
There were fears that a low voter turnout, already traditionally a problem, would be further exacerbated by a boycott call by the pro-reform February 20 movement and the Islamist organization Al Adl Wa Al Ihssane
, who felt that the constitutional reforms were insufficient.
proportional representation
system (with a 6 percent threshold) using the largest remainder method
. Voting is conducted through universal suffrage
in secret ballot
s.
There are two types of list, local and national. 305 seats are allocated for the local lists spread over 92 electoral districts, while the national list consists of 90 seats, putting the total number of deputies at 395 - 70 more than the last election.
The national list consists of a 60 seats list reserved for women and another of 30 seats for candidates under 40. The list follows the same proportional representation system but on the level of the country.
and the 20 February protest movement also called for a boycott.
Istiqlal was the only party that filled a list for every constituency. The Justice and Development Party and the Socialist Union of Popular Forces both fielded 393 candidates.
Source: http://www.elections2011.gov.ma/Statistiques/Stat_Candidats_Par_Partis_Politiques.aspx
(PJD), headed by Salé
's deputy Abdelillah Benkirane; the "Coalition for Democracy" which is an alliance headed by Morocco's current minister of finance Salaheddine Mezouar
; and the Koutla
alliance of the incumbent prime minister Abbas El Fassi
The Coalition for Democracy was formed on 10 October 2011 and groups eight parties: the National Rally of Independents
, the Popular Movement
, the Constitutional Union
, the Authenticity and Modernity Party
(PAM), the Labour Party
, the Green Left Party, the Party of Renaissance and Virtue
and the Socialist Party
.
The Koutla groups three parties which are members of the 2007-2011 government; namely the Istiqlal Party
, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces
and the Party of Progress and Socialism
. The Koutla alliance criticized the decision of two other member parties of the current government to join the Coalition for Democracy alliance with other parties of the opposition. Consequently, the leaders of the Koutla made implicit calls for the Justice and Development party to join their alliance.
The below table lists the most prominent parties in the Moroccan political scene (bold indicates members of the 2007-2011 government):
(*): Was formed after the 2007 elections.
(**): Joint list of the National Democratic Party
and Al Ahd
(***): Joint list of the National Congress Party
, the Democratic Socialist Vanguard Party and the Unified Socialist Party
Full results of the election were announced on 27 November 2011. The Justice and Development Party won a plurality of seats, making its leader, Abdelillah Benkirane, prime minister designate under the rules of the new constitution. "This is a clear victory," he said,"but we will need alliances in order to work together".
Source: Moroccan government.
Assembly of Representatives of Morocco
results grouped by coalition
and form a government that will be likely headed by Abdelillah Benkirane or Saadeddine Othmani
, who are respectively the current and former party leaders. Benkirane held talks with the King on the evening of 28 November, and declared that he is not going to announce an alliance before the prime minister is appointed. He has previously stated that he is open to an alliance with the Koutla and made positive signs towards it.
After the announcement of the final results, some leaders of the Coalition for Democracy stated that they have no reason to still maintain the alliance. Mohand Laenser
of the Popular Movement
and representatives from the Constitutional Union said that they were discussing whether to stay or retract from the coalition. Salaheddine Mezouar
of the National Rally of Independents
, and Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah
, leader of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, said that they choose not to participate in the upcoming government.
On Tuesday 29 November 2011, as expected, Abdelilah Benkirane
was nominated by the king as the new prime minister.
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
on 25 November 2011, brought forward from 2012 and then postponed from 7 October 2011.
Public protests as part of the Arab Spring
Arab Spring
The Arab Spring , otherwise known as the Arab Awakening, is a revolutionary wave of demonstrations and protests occurring in the Arab world that began on Saturday, 18 December 2010...
in February 2011 led King Mohammed VI
Mohammed VI of Morocco
Mohammed VI is the present King of Morocco and Amir al-Mu'minin . He ascended to the throne on 23 July 1999 upon the death of his father.-Education:...
to announce an early election, a process of constitutional reform granting new civil rights, and the relinquishing of some of his administrative powers. Following a referendum
Moroccan constitutional referendum, 2011
A referendum on constitutional reforms was held in Morocco on 1 July 2011. It was called in response to the protests that took place earlier in the year demanding democratic reforms. A commission was to draft proposals by June 2011...
on 1 July 2011, the new constitution was ratified on 13 September.
Of the Lower House of Parliament
Assembly of Representatives of Morocco
The Moroccan Parliament has two chambers. The Assembly of Representatives has 325 members elected for a five year term, 295 elected in multi-seat constituencies and 30 in national lists consisting only of women. The other chamber is the Assembly of Councillors.-See also:* Assembly of Councillors*...
's 395 seats, 305 were elected from party lists in 92 constituencies and the additional 90 seats were elected from a national list, with two thirds reserved for women and the remaining third reserved for men under the age of 40.
30 parties participated in the elections, 18 of which gained seats. The vast majority of seats was won by three political groups: the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party
Justice and Development Party (Morocco)
The Justice and Development Party is the largest opposition political party in Morocco. The PJD advocates Islamism and Islamic democracy.-History:...
(PJD); an eight-party "Coalition for Democracy" (lead by the RNI) headed by Morocco's incumbent minister of finance Salaheddine Mezouar
Salaheddine Mezouar
Salaheddine Mezouar is a Moroccan politician and current president of the National Rally of Independents party....
; and the Koutla
Koutla
The Koutla is a political coalition between three Moroccan parties : the Istiqlal Party , the Socialist Union of Popular Forces and the Party of Progress and Socialism . The Koutla is a member of the present government....
("Coalition") alliance of the incumbent prime minister Abbas El Fassi
Abbas El Fassi
Abbas El Fassi was the Prime Minister of Morocco from 19 September 2007 to 29 November 2011. El Fassi, a member of the Istiqlal Party, replaced independent Driss Jettou.El Fassi was born in Berkane, Morocco on September 18, 1940...
.
Results of the election were announced on 27 November 2011. The Justice and Development party won 107 seats, giving it the largest parliamentary representation, although not a majority. According to the new constitution, this made its leader, Abdelillah Benkirane, prime minister-designate.
2007 parliamentary elections
The 2007 parliamentary elections were the second of King Mohammed VIMohammed VI of Morocco
Mohammed VI is the present King of Morocco and Amir al-Mu'minin . He ascended to the throne on 23 July 1999 upon the death of his father.-Education:...
's reign. They were characterized by a relatively low turnout of 37%, 15 points down from that of 2002 (52%). The Socialist Union of Popular Forces
Socialist Union of Popular Forces
The Socialist Union of Popular Forces, USFP, is a social democratic political party in Morocco...
(USFP) - the largest party in the outgoing government - unexpectedly lost 12 of its seats. The Istiqlal Party
Istiqlal Party
The Istiqlal or Independence Party is a political party in Morocco...
came first with 52 seats, ahead of the Justice and Development Party
Justice and Development Party (Morocco)
The Justice and Development Party is the largest opposition political party in Morocco. The PJD advocates Islamism and Islamic democracy.-History:...
with 46, despite the latter coming first in terms of number of votes. A coalition of five parties (Istiqlal, Popular movement
Popular Movement
The Popular Movement is a conservative liberal party in Morocco established in 1957 by the Berber Caid Mahjoubi Aherdane with help from Dr. Abdelkrim al-Khatib who founded later a splinter party that became the Justice and Development Party.The present party results from a 25 March 2006 merger...
, National rally of independents
National Rally of Independents
The National Rally of Independents is a political party in Morocco, founded in 1978 by former Prime Minister Ahmed Osman, husband of a sister of King Hassan II....
, Party of Progress and Socialism
Party of Progress and Socialism
The Party of Progress and Socialism is a political party in Morocco. The party was founded by Ali Yata in 1974.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 11 out of 325 seats...
and Socialist Union of Popular Forces
Socialist Union of Popular Forces
The Socialist Union of Popular Forces, USFP, is a social democratic political party in Morocco...
) with a narrow combined majority in the House of Representatives formed a government headed by Abbas El Fassi
Abbas El Fassi
Abbas El Fassi was the Prime Minister of Morocco from 19 September 2007 to 29 November 2011. El Fassi, a member of the Istiqlal Party, replaced independent Driss Jettou.El Fassi was born in Berkane, Morocco on September 18, 1940...
, the president of the Istiqlal party.
Arab Spring and protest movement
Following national protests held in early February 2011 in solidarity with the Egyptian revolution2011 Egyptian revolution
The 2011 Egyptian revolution took place following a popular uprising that began on Tuesday, 25 January 2011 and is still continuing as of November 2011. The uprising was mainly a campaign of non-violent civil resistance, which featured a series of demonstrations, marches, acts of civil...
, a youth group (later known as the 20 February movement) and the Islamist organization Al Adl Wa Al Ihssane
Al Adl Wa Al Ihssane
Al Adl wal Ihsane is a Moroccan Islamist association, founded by Cheikh Abdesslam Yassine...
called for a day of protests. Among the demands of the organisers was that the constitutional role of the king should be "reduced to its natural size". On 20 February, several thousands of people participated in demonstrations across Morocco. On 26 February, a further protest was held in Casablanca
Casablanca
Casablanca is a city in western Morocco, located on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Grand Casablanca region.Casablanca is Morocco's largest city as well as its chief port. It is also the biggest city in the Maghreb. The 2004 census recorded a population of 2,949,805 in the prefecture...
. Further protests were held in Casablanca and Rabat
Rabat
Rabat , is the capital and third largest city of the Kingdom of Morocco with a population of approximately 650,000...
on 20 March.
On 9 March, King Mohammed announced that he would form a commission to work on constitutional revisions, which would make proposals to him by June, after which a referendum would be held on the draft constitution.
2011 Constitutional reforms
A committee representing various parties was tasked by the king to prepare the new constitution. A draft was published in early June 2011. A referendum for its adoption was conducted on 1 July 2011 and registered a record high participation rate with a 70% turnout; the reforms were passed with 98% approval. The protest movement however, previously called for a boycott of the referendum. Consequently, the date of the parliamentary election was brought forward from September 2012 to October 2011.The new constitution, entered into effect on 1 August 2011, created a number of new civil rights, including constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression, social equality for women, rights for speakers of minority languages and the independence of judges.
Changes to electoral and administrative law were also significant. The king rescinded his power to appoint prime ministers, obliging himself to appoint a member of the party winning the most seats in a parliamentary election. The office of prime minister, in turn, was given additional powers to appoint senior civil servants and diplomats, in consultation with the king's ministerial council. The prime minster replaced the king as the head of government and chair of the government council, gaining the power to dissolve parliament.
The voting system was also changed so that the number of parliamentary seats decided on a constituency basis was increased from 295 to 305. Additional seats were reserved for election from national party lists, 60 consisting only of female candidates and 30 for male candidates under the age of 40.
Election timetable
After negotiations between the interior ministry, which oversees elections, and some 20 political parties, the government proposed that parliamentary elections should be moved to 11 November, with the possibility of shifting it due to its proximity to the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha. In the end, the election was held on 25 November 2011. The electoral campaign took place from 12 to 24 November.There were fears that a low voter turnout, already traditionally a problem, would be further exacerbated by a boycott call by the pro-reform February 20 movement and the Islamist organization Al Adl Wa Al Ihssane
Al Adl Wa Al Ihssane
Al Adl wal Ihsane is a Moroccan Islamist association, founded by Cheikh Abdesslam Yassine...
, who felt that the constitutional reforms were insufficient.
Electoral system
The election follows the closed listClosed list
Closed list describes the variant of party-list proportional representation where voters can only vote for political parties as a whole and thus have no influence on the party-supplied order in which party candidates are elected...
proportional representation
Proportional representation
Proportional representation is a concept in voting systems used to elect an assembly or council. PR means that the number of seats won by a party or group of candidates is proportionate to the number of votes received. For example, under a PR voting system if 30% of voters support a particular...
system (with a 6 percent threshold) using the largest remainder method
Largest remainder method
The largest remainder method is one way of allocating seats proportionally for representative assemblies with party list voting systems...
. Voting is conducted through universal suffrage
Universal suffrage
Universal suffrage consists of the extension of the right to vote to adult citizens as a whole, though it may also mean extending said right to minors and non-citizens...
in secret ballot
Secret ballot
The secret ballot is a voting method in which a voter's choices in an election or a referendum are anonymous. The key aim is to ensure the voter records a sincere choice by forestalling attempts to influence the voter by intimidation or bribery. The system is one means of achieving the goal of...
s.
There are two types of list, local and national. 305 seats are allocated for the local lists spread over 92 electoral districts, while the national list consists of 90 seats, putting the total number of deputies at 395 - 70 more than the last election.
The national list consists of a 60 seats list reserved for women and another of 30 seats for candidates under 40. The list follows the same proportional representation system but on the level of the country.
Eligibility
All Moroccan citizens are eligible for voting if they are at least 18 years old and have their civil and political rights unrestrained by a court order. A person is eligible for candidacy if they fulfil the conditions set out in the law regulating parliament (law 27.11 articles 6 to 10), according to which the following are ineligible:- People who are ineligible to vote
- People who have acquired the Moroccan citizenship less than 5 years before the voting date.
- People who, on the voting date, are subjected to a national court sentence forbidding them from exercising political life. As long as the sentence is still into effect or not currently under appeal.
- People who, on the voting date, are either incarcerated or subjected to a suspended prison sentence, regardless of the duration.
- People who currently (or retired less than a year before the voting date) hold the following positions: Judges, provincial governors, Caids, Pashas, Khalifas, Moqadems, military, auxiliary forces, provincial directors of the ministry of the Interior, Inspectors of the ministry of the Interior, public financing inspectors, presidents of electoral districts, the general bailiff of the state, the regional bailiffs.
- People who previously held the positions mentioned above - in a region they are running in - but retired less than two years before the voting date. This condition additionally applies to police officers.
- People who currently (or retired less than a year before the voting date) hold the following positions (in the region they are running in): Directors of public institutions, CEOs of companies where the state holds more than 30% shares, presidents of provincial or regional ministerial bureaus.
- People who exercised a public function - in the region they are running in - that required them to carry a firearm during their work and have not retired more than a year before the voting date. Regardless of the nature, duration or remuneration of their mission.
Participating parties
A total of 30 parties proposed candidates in the election while three far-left parties - the communist "Talia", the Unified Socialist Party and the "Nahj Ad-Dimuqrati" - called for a boycott. The Islamist organization Al Adl Wa Al IhssaneAl Adl Wa Al Ihssane
Al Adl wal Ihsane is a Moroccan Islamist association, founded by Cheikh Abdesslam Yassine...
and the 20 February protest movement also called for a boycott.
Istiqlal was the only party that filled a list for every constituency. The Justice and Development Party and the Socialist Union of Popular Forces both fielded 393 candidates.
| Party | number of candidates |
|---|---|
| Istiqlal Party Istiqlal Party The Istiqlal or Independence Party is a political party in Morocco... |
395 |
| Justice and Development Party Justice and Development Party The name Justice and Development Party is used by a several political parties:* Justice and Development Party * Justice and Development Party * Justice and Development Party * Justice and Development Party... (PJD) |
393 |
| Socialist Union of Popular Forces Socialist Union of Popular Forces The Socialist Union of Popular Forces, USFP, is a social democratic political party in Morocco... |
393 |
| Party of progress and socialism Party of Progress and Socialism The Party of Progress and Socialism is a political party in Morocco. The party was founded by Ali Yata in 1974.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 11 out of 325 seats... (PPS) |
386 |
| National Rally of Independents National Rally of Independents The National Rally of Independents is a political party in Morocco, founded in 1978 by former Prime Minister Ahmed Osman, husband of a sister of King Hassan II.... (RNI) |
381 |
| Popular movement Popular Movement The Popular Movement is a conservative liberal party in Morocco established in 1957 by the Berber Caid Mahjoubi Aherdane with help from Dr. Abdelkrim al-Khatib who founded later a splinter party that became the Justice and Development Party.The present party results from a 25 March 2006 merger... |
377 |
| Front of Democratic Forces Front of Democratic Forces The Front of Democratic Forces is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 12 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 9 out of 325 seats.... |
365 |
| Authenticity and Modernity Party Authenticity and Modernity Party The Authenticity and Modernity Party is a Moroccan political party founded by former interior minister Fouad Ali El Himma on 10 August 2008. It is reportedly an attempt by King Mohammed VI's allies to create a strong political party to strengthen his power in Morocco.A number of political parties... (PAM) |
365 |
| Constitutional Union | 340 |
| Democratic Oath Party (SD) | 305 |
| National Congress Party National Congress Party (Morocco) The National Congress Party is a political party in Morocco.At the last legislative elections, 27 September 2002, the party won 1 out of 325 seats. In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party was part of the PADS–CNI–PSU Union, that won 6 seats.... (PCNI) |
300 |
| Labour Party Labour Party (Morocco) The Labour Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 5 out of 325 seats. It won 4 out of 395 seats in the parliamentary election, held in 25 November 2011.... (PT) |
297 |
| Democratic and Social Movement Democratic and Social Movement (Morocco) The Democratic and Social Movement is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 7 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 9 out of 325 seats.... (MDS) |
261 |
| Environment and Sustained Development Environment and Development Party The Environment and Development Party was a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 2 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 2.9% of the votes and 5 out of 325 seats.It merged into the... |
255 |
| Socialist Party Socialist Party (Morocco) The Socialist Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did win 2 out of 325 seats.... (PS) |
244 |
| Moroccan Liberal Party Moroccan Liberal Party The Liberal Moroccan Party is a political party in Morocco.It was established in March 2002 as a splinter from the Constitutional Union Party by the attorney Mohammed Ziane, former delegate Minister for Human Rights in the Abdellatif Filali government, 1994-1998.In the parliamentary election held... (PLM) |
221 |
| Green Left Party | 204 |
| Social Centre Party Social Centre Party The Social Centre Party is a political party in Morocco.During the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PCS) |
182 |
| Party of Renewal and Equity Party of Renewal and Equity The Party of Renewal and Equity is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 4 out of 325 seats.... (PRE) |
162 |
| Reform and Development Party Reform and Development Party The Reform and Development Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 3 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PRD) |
154 |
| Action Party Action Party (Morocco) The Action Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PA) |
149 |
| Party of Renaissance and Virtue Party of Renaissance and Virtue The Party of Renaissance and Virtue is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 1 out of 325 seats.... (PRV) |
128 |
| Union and Democracy Party (PUD) | 121 |
| Moroccan Union for Democracy Moroccan Union for Democracy The Moroccan Union for Democracy is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did win 2 out of 325 seats.... UMD |
117 |
| National Democratic Party National Democratic Party (Morocco) The National Democratic Party is a political party in Morocco.At the last legislative elections, 27 September 2002, the party won 12 out of 325 seats. In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won together with the Al Ahd 14 out of 325 seats.It decided to merge into the... |
115 |
| Citizens' Forces Citizens' Forces The Citizens' Forces is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 2 out of 325 seats. At the turning of 2005, it went into an alliance with the PJD.... (PFC) |
110 |
| Party of Hope Party of Hope The Party of Hope is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PE) |
103 |
| Party of Liberty and Social Justice Party of Liberty and Social Justice The Party of Liberty and Social Justice is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PLJS) |
100 |
| Democratic Society Party (PSD) | 72 |
| Democratic Independence Party Democratic Independence Party The Democratic Independence Party is a political party in Morocco established in 1946, initially a splinter group from Istiqlal Party, the party lost its 2 last seats at the 2007 elections.... (PDI) |
58 |
| Independents | 6 |
Source: http://www.elections2011.gov.ma/Statistiques/Stat_Candidats_Par_Partis_Politiques.aspx
Major competing parties
The main contestants in the election were three political formations : the moderate Islamist Justice and Development PartyJustice and Development Party (Morocco)
The Justice and Development Party is the largest opposition political party in Morocco. The PJD advocates Islamism and Islamic democracy.-History:...
(PJD), headed by Salé
Salé
Salé is a city in north-western Morocco, on the right bank of the Bou Regreg river, opposite the national capital Rabat, for which it serves as a commuter town...
's deputy Abdelillah Benkirane; the "Coalition for Democracy" which is an alliance headed by Morocco's current minister of finance Salaheddine Mezouar
Salaheddine Mezouar
Salaheddine Mezouar is a Moroccan politician and current president of the National Rally of Independents party....
; and the Koutla
Koutla
The Koutla is a political coalition between three Moroccan parties : the Istiqlal Party , the Socialist Union of Popular Forces and the Party of Progress and Socialism . The Koutla is a member of the present government....
alliance of the incumbent prime minister Abbas El Fassi
Abbas El Fassi
Abbas El Fassi was the Prime Minister of Morocco from 19 September 2007 to 29 November 2011. El Fassi, a member of the Istiqlal Party, replaced independent Driss Jettou.El Fassi was born in Berkane, Morocco on September 18, 1940...
The Coalition for Democracy was formed on 10 October 2011 and groups eight parties: the National Rally of Independents
National Rally of Independents
The National Rally of Independents is a political party in Morocco, founded in 1978 by former Prime Minister Ahmed Osman, husband of a sister of King Hassan II....
, the Popular Movement
Popular Movement
The Popular Movement is a conservative liberal party in Morocco established in 1957 by the Berber Caid Mahjoubi Aherdane with help from Dr. Abdelkrim al-Khatib who founded later a splinter party that became the Justice and Development Party.The present party results from a 25 March 2006 merger...
, the Constitutional Union
Constitutional Union (Morocco)
The Constitutional Union is a liberal conservative political party in Morocco, aligned with the ruling monarchy.The party is a full member of Liberal International, which it joined at the latter's Dakar Congress in 2003....
, the Authenticity and Modernity Party
Authenticity and Modernity Party
The Authenticity and Modernity Party is a Moroccan political party founded by former interior minister Fouad Ali El Himma on 10 August 2008. It is reportedly an attempt by King Mohammed VI's allies to create a strong political party to strengthen his power in Morocco.A number of political parties...
(PAM), the Labour Party
Labour Party (Morocco)
The Labour Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 5 out of 325 seats. It won 4 out of 395 seats in the parliamentary election, held in 25 November 2011....
, the Green Left Party, the Party of Renaissance and Virtue
Party of Renaissance and Virtue
The Party of Renaissance and Virtue is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 1 out of 325 seats....
and the Socialist Party
Socialist Party (Morocco)
The Socialist Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did win 2 out of 325 seats....
.
The Koutla groups three parties which are members of the 2007-2011 government; namely the Istiqlal Party
Istiqlal Party
The Istiqlal or Independence Party is a political party in Morocco...
, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces
Socialist Union of Popular Forces
The Socialist Union of Popular Forces, USFP, is a social democratic political party in Morocco...
and the Party of Progress and Socialism
Party of Progress and Socialism
The Party of Progress and Socialism is a political party in Morocco. The party was founded by Ali Yata in 1974.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 11 out of 325 seats...
. The Koutla alliance criticized the decision of two other member parties of the current government to join the Coalition for Democracy alliance with other parties of the opposition. Consequently, the leaders of the Koutla made implicit calls for the Justice and Development party to join their alliance.
The below table lists the most prominent parties in the Moroccan political scene (bold indicates members of the 2007-2011 government):
| Party | Ideology | 2007 Seats | |
| Istiqlal Party Istiqlal Party The Istiqlal or Independence Party is a political party in Morocco... |
Nationalism Nationalism Nationalism is a political ideology that involves a strong identification of a group of individuals with a political entity defined in national terms, i.e. a nation. In the 'modernist' image of the nation, it is nationalism that creates national identity. There are various definitions for what... -Conservatism Conservatism Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism... |
52 | |
| Justice and Development Party Justice and Development Party (Morocco) The Justice and Development Party is the largest opposition political party in Morocco. The PJD advocates Islamism and Islamic democracy.-History:... |
Islamism Islamism Islamism also , lit., "Political Islam" is set of ideologies holding that Islam is not only a religion but also a political system. Islamism is a controversial term, and definitions of it sometimes vary... (right-wing Right-wing politics In politics, Right, right-wing and rightist generally refer to support for a hierarchical society justified on the basis of an appeal to natural law or tradition. To varying degrees, the Right rejects the egalitarian objectives of left-wing politics, claiming that the imposition of equality is... ) |
46 | |
| Popular movement Popular Movement The Popular Movement is a conservative liberal party in Morocco established in 1957 by the Berber Caid Mahjoubi Aherdane with help from Dr. Abdelkrim al-Khatib who founded later a splinter party that became the Justice and Development Party.The present party results from a 25 March 2006 merger... |
Conservatism Conservatism Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism... -Economic liberalism Economic liberalism Economic liberalism is the ideological belief in giving all people economic freedom, and as such granting people with more basis to control their own lives and make their own mistakes. It is an economic philosophy that supports and promotes individual liberty and choice in economic matters and... |
41 | |
| National rally of independents National Rally of Independents The National Rally of Independents is a political party in Morocco, founded in 1978 by former Prime Minister Ahmed Osman, husband of a sister of King Hassan II.... |
Centrism Centrism In politics, centrism is the ideal or the practice of promoting policies that lie different from the standard political left and political right. Most commonly, this is visualized as part of the one-dimensional political spectrum of left-right politics, with centrism landing in the middle between... -Economic liberalism Economic liberalism Economic liberalism is the ideological belief in giving all people economic freedom, and as such granting people with more basis to control their own lives and make their own mistakes. It is an economic philosophy that supports and promotes individual liberty and choice in economic matters and... |
39 | |
| Socialist Union of Popular Forces Socialist Union of Popular Forces The Socialist Union of Popular Forces, USFP, is a social democratic political party in Morocco... |
Socialism Socialism Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,... |
38 | |
| Constitutional Union Constitutional Union (Morocco) The Constitutional Union is a liberal conservative political party in Morocco, aligned with the ruling monarchy.The party is a full member of Liberal International, which it joined at the latter's Dakar Congress in 2003.... |
Conservatism Conservatism Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism... -Economic liberalism Economic liberalism Economic liberalism is the ideological belief in giving all people economic freedom, and as such granting people with more basis to control their own lives and make their own mistakes. It is an economic philosophy that supports and promotes individual liberty and choice in economic matters and... |
27 | |
| Party of Progress and Socialism Party of Progress and Socialism The Party of Progress and Socialism is a political party in Morocco. The party was founded by Ali Yata in 1974.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 11 out of 325 seats... (PPS) |
Socialism Socialism Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,... |
17 | |
| Authenticity and Modernity Party Authenticity and Modernity Party The Authenticity and Modernity Party is a Moroccan political party founded by former interior minister Fouad Ali El Himma on 10 August 2008. It is reportedly an attempt by King Mohammed VI's allies to create a strong political party to strengthen his power in Morocco.A number of political parties... * |
Conservatism Conservatism Conservatism is a political and social philosophy that promotes the maintenance of traditional institutions and supports, at the most, minimal and gradual change in society. Some conservatives seek to preserve things as they are, emphasizing stability and continuity, while others oppose modernism... -Economic liberalism Economic liberalism Economic liberalism is the ideological belief in giving all people economic freedom, and as such granting people with more basis to control their own lives and make their own mistakes. It is an economic philosophy that supports and promotes individual liberty and choice in economic matters and... |
x | |
| Al Ahd union (joint list)** | Socialism Socialism Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,... |
14 | |
| Front of Democratic Forces Front of Democratic Forces The Front of Democratic Forces is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 12 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 9 out of 325 seats.... |
Socialism Socialism Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,... |
9 | |
| Democtratic and Social Movement Democratic and Social Movement (Morocco) The Democratic and Social Movement is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 7 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 9 out of 325 seats.... |
Socialism Socialism Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,... |
9 | |
| PADS Union (joint list)*** | Socialism Socialism Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,... |
6 | |
| Labour party Labour Party (Morocco) The Labour Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 5 out of 325 seats. It won 4 out of 395 seats in the parliamentary election, held in 25 November 2011.... |
Labor rights Labor rights Labor rights or workers' rights are a group of legal rights and claimed human rights having to do with labor relations between workers and their employers, usually obtained under labor and employment law. In general, these rights' debates have to do with negotiating workers' pay, benefits, and safe... -Socialism Socialism Socialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,... |
5 | |
| Environment and Development Party Environment and Development Party The Environment and Development Party was a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 2 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 2.9% of the votes and 5 out of 325 seats.It merged into the... |
Green politics Green politics Green politics is a political ideology that aims for the creation of an ecologically sustainable society rooted in environmentalism, social liberalism, and grassroots democracy... |
5 | |
(*): Was formed after the 2007 elections.
(**): Joint list of the National Democratic Party
National Democratic Party (Morocco)
The National Democratic Party is a political party in Morocco.At the last legislative elections, 27 September 2002, the party won 12 out of 325 seats. In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won together with the Al Ahd 14 out of 325 seats.It decided to merge into the...
and Al Ahd
Al Ahd
Al Ahd was a political party in Morocco.At the last legislative elections, 27 September 2002, the party won 5 out of 325 seats. In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won together with the National Democratic Party 14 out of 325 seats.It merged into the Authenticity and...
(***): Joint list of the National Congress Party
National Congress Party (Morocco)
The National Congress Party is a political party in Morocco.At the last legislative elections, 27 September 2002, the party won 1 out of 325 seats. In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party was part of the PADS–CNI–PSU Union, that won 6 seats....
, the Democratic Socialist Vanguard Party and the Unified Socialist Party
Results
The spokesman of the ministry of the interior announced on the evening of Friday 25 November that the turnout in the election was 45%, up 8 points from that of 2007. By the time of the initial results on 26 November, covering 288 of the 395 seats being contested, it had become clear that the Justice and Development Party had secured a plurality. It had secured 80 seats by this stage, with Istiqlal having secured 45. News organizations speculated that the Justice and Development Party would govern in coalition with several left-wing political parties.Full results of the election were announced on 27 November 2011. The Justice and Development Party won a plurality of seats, making its leader, Abdelillah Benkirane, prime minister designate under the rules of the new constitution. "This is a clear victory," he said,"but we will need alliances in order to work together".
Summary of results
| Party | Total seats | Seats % | Seat change | Constituency seats | List seats | Votes | Votes % | |
| Justice and Development Party Justice and Development Party (Morocco) The Justice and Development Party is the largest opposition political party in Morocco. The PJD advocates Islamism and Islamic democracy.-History:... |
107 | 27.1 | 61 | 83 | 24 | X | X | |
| Istiqlal Party Istiqlal Party The Istiqlal or Independence Party is a political party in Morocco... |
60 | 15.2 | 8 | 47 | 13 | X | X | |
| National rally of independents National Rally of Independents The National Rally of Independents is a political party in Morocco, founded in 1978 by former Prime Minister Ahmed Osman, husband of a sister of King Hassan II.... |
52 | 13.2 | 13 | 40 | 12 | X | X | |
| Authenticity and Modernity Party Authenticity and Modernity Party The Authenticity and Modernity Party is a Moroccan political party founded by former interior minister Fouad Ali El Himma on 10 August 2008. It is reportedly an attempt by King Mohammed VI's allies to create a strong political party to strengthen his power in Morocco.A number of political parties... |
47 | 11.9 | 47 | 35 | 12 | X | X | |
| Socialist Union of Popular Forces Socialist Union of Popular Forces The Socialist Union of Popular Forces, USFP, is a social democratic political party in Morocco... |
39 | 9.9 | 1 | 30 | 9 | X | X | |
| Popular movement Popular Movement The Popular Movement is a conservative liberal party in Morocco established in 1957 by the Berber Caid Mahjoubi Aherdane with help from Dr. Abdelkrim al-Khatib who founded later a splinter party that became the Justice and Development Party.The present party results from a 25 March 2006 merger... |
32 | 8.1 | 9 | 24 | 8 | X | X | |
| Constitutional Union Constitutional Union (Morocco) The Constitutional Union is a liberal conservative political party in Morocco, aligned with the ruling monarchy.The party is a full member of Liberal International, which it joined at the latter's Dakar Congress in 2003.... |
23 | 5.8 | 4 | 17 | 6 | X | X | |
| Party of Progress and Socialism Party of Progress and Socialism The Party of Progress and Socialism is a political party in Morocco. The party was founded by Ali Yata in 1974.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 11 out of 325 seats... (PPS) |
18 | 4.6 | 1 | 12 | 6 | X | X | |
| Labour party Labour Party (Morocco) The Labour Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 5 out of 325 seats. It won 4 out of 395 seats in the parliamentary election, held in 25 November 2011.... |
4 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | X | X | |
| Party of Renewal and Equity Party of Renewal and Equity The Party of Renewal and Equity is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 4 out of 325 seats.... |
2 | 0.5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | X | X | |
| Democratic and Social Movement Democratic and Social Movement (Morocco) The Democratic and Social Movement is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 7 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 9 out of 325 seats.... (MDS) |
2 | 0.5 | 7 | 2 | 0 | X | X | |
| Environment and Development Party Environment and Development Party The Environment and Development Party was a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 2 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 2.9% of the votes and 5 out of 325 seats.It merged into the... |
2 | 0.5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | X | X | |
| Democratic Oath Party (SD) | 2 | 0.5 | 2 | 2 | 0 | X | X | |
| Front of Democratic Forces Front of Democratic Forces The Front of Democratic Forces is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 12 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 9 out of 325 seats.... |
1 | 0.3 | 8 | 1 | 0 | X | X | |
| Action Party Action Party (Morocco) The Action Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PA) |
1 | 0.3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | X | X | |
| Union and Democracy Party (PUD) | 1 | 0.3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | X | X | |
| Party of Liberty and Social Justice Party of Liberty and Social Justice The Party of Liberty and Social Justice is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PLJS) |
1 | 0.3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | X | X | |
| Green Left Party | 1 | 0.3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | X | X | |
| Socialist Party Socialist Party (Morocco) The Socialist Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did win 2 out of 325 seats.... (PS) |
0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | X | X | |
| Moroccan Union for Democracy Moroccan Union for Democracy The Moroccan Union for Democracy is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did win 2 out of 325 seats.... (UMD) |
0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | X | X | |
| Citizens' Forces Citizens' Forces The Citizens' Forces is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 2 out of 325 seats. At the turning of 2005, it went into an alliance with the PJD.... (PFC) |
0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | X | |
| Party of Renaissance and Virtue Party of Renaissance and Virtue The Party of Renaissance and Virtue is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won 1 out of 325 seats.... (PRV) |
0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | X | X | |
| National Congress Party National Congress Party (Morocco) The National Congress Party is a political party in Morocco.At the last legislative elections, 27 September 2002, the party won 1 out of 325 seats. In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party was part of the PADS–CNI–PSU Union, that won 6 seats.... (PCNI) |
0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 0 | X | X | |
| Moroccan Liberal Party Moroccan Liberal Party The Liberal Moroccan Party is a political party in Morocco.It was established in March 2002 as a splinter from the Constitutional Union Party by the attorney Mohammed Ziane, former delegate Minister for Human Rights in the Abdellatif Filali government, 1994-1998.In the parliamentary election held... (PLM) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | X | ||
| Social Centre Party Social Centre Party The Social Centre Party is a political party in Morocco.During the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PCS) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | X | ||
| Reform and Development Party Reform and Development Party The Reform and Development Party is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election held on 27 September 2002, the party won 3 out of 325 seats. In the next parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PRD) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | X | ||
| National Democratic Party National Democratic Party (Morocco) The National Democratic Party is a political party in Morocco.At the last legislative elections, 27 September 2002, the party won 12 out of 325 seats. In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party won together with the Al Ahd 14 out of 325 seats.It decided to merge into the... |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | X | ||
| Party of Hope Party of Hope The Party of Hope is a political party in Morocco.In the parliamentary election, held on 7 September 2007, the party did not win any seats.... (PE) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | X | ||
| Democratic Society Party (PSD) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | X | ||
| Democratic Independence Party Democratic Independence Party The Democratic Independence Party is a political party in Morocco established in 1946, initially a splinter group from Istiqlal Party, the party lost its 2 last seats at the 2007 elections.... (PDI) |
0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | X | ||
| Independents | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | X | X | |
| Total (turnout 45.4%) | 395 | 100% | 70 | 305 | 90 | X | X | |
Source: Moroccan government.
Assembly of Representatives of Morocco
Assembly of Representatives of Morocco
The Moroccan Parliament has two chambers. The Assembly of Representatives has 325 members elected for a five year term, 295 elected in multi-seat constituencies and 30 in national lists consisting only of women. The other chamber is the Assembly of Councillors.-See also:* Assembly of Councillors*...
results grouped by coalition
| Coalition | Total seats | Seats % | Seat change | Constituency seats | List seats | Votes | Votes % |
| Coalition for Democracy | 159 | 40.3 | 44 | 121 | 38 | X | X |
| Koutla Koutla The Koutla is a political coalition between three Moroccan parties : the Istiqlal Party , the Socialist Union of Popular Forces and the Party of Progress and Socialism . The Koutla is a member of the present government.... |
117 | 29.6 | 10 | 89 | 28 | X | X |
| Justice and Development Party Justice and Development Party (Morocco) The Justice and Development Party is the largest opposition political party in Morocco. The PJD advocates Islamism and Islamic democracy.-History:... |
107 | 27.1 | 61 | 83 | 24 | X | X |
| Other | 12 | 3.0 | 45 | 12 | 0 | X | X |
| Total (turnout 45.4%) | 395 | 100% | 70 | 305 | 90 | X | X |
Aftermath
The Justice and Development party is expected to ally with the KoutlaKoutla
The Koutla is a political coalition between three Moroccan parties : the Istiqlal Party , the Socialist Union of Popular Forces and the Party of Progress and Socialism . The Koutla is a member of the present government....
and form a government that will be likely headed by Abdelillah Benkirane or Saadeddine Othmani
Saadeddine Othmani
Saadeddine Othmani is a Moroccan politician and psychiatrist. He was born in 1956 in Inezgane near Agadir in the Souss region. He earned a Doctorate in Medicine from the Hassan II University of Casablanca in...
, who are respectively the current and former party leaders. Benkirane held talks with the King on the evening of 28 November, and declared that he is not going to announce an alliance before the prime minister is appointed. He has previously stated that he is open to an alliance with the Koutla and made positive signs towards it.
After the announcement of the final results, some leaders of the Coalition for Democracy stated that they have no reason to still maintain the alliance. Mohand Laenser
Mohand Laenser
Mohand Laenser is a Moroccan politician and current president of the Popular movement party....
of the Popular Movement
Popular Movement
The Popular Movement is a conservative liberal party in Morocco established in 1957 by the Berber Caid Mahjoubi Aherdane with help from Dr. Abdelkrim al-Khatib who founded later a splinter party that became the Justice and Development Party.The present party results from a 25 March 2006 merger...
and representatives from the Constitutional Union said that they were discussing whether to stay or retract from the coalition. Salaheddine Mezouar
Salaheddine Mezouar
Salaheddine Mezouar is a Moroccan politician and current president of the National Rally of Independents party....
of the National Rally of Independents
National Rally of Independents
The National Rally of Independents is a political party in Morocco, founded in 1978 by former Prime Minister Ahmed Osman, husband of a sister of King Hassan II....
, and Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah
Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah
Mohamed Cheikh Biadillah is a Moroccan gastroenterologist and politician. He served as Minister of Health in the government of Driss Jettou from 2002 to 2007...
, leader of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, said that they choose not to participate in the upcoming government.
On Tuesday 29 November 2011, as expected, Abdelilah Benkirane
Abdelilah Benkirane
Abdelilah Benkirane is a Moroccan politician and leader of the Justice and Development Party. His party won a plurality of seats in the November 2011 parliamentary election, and he was appointed Prime Minister of Morocco on 29 November 2011.He has represented Salé in the Moroccan parliament since...
was nominated by the king as the new prime minister.
External links
- Official website of the elections (Arabic)