Moroccan parties ponder participation in government, Islamist moderate party not concerned
Morocco, Politics, 10/22/2002

Several Moroccan parties said they are still pondering their participation in a government led by prime minister Driss Jettou who was appointed to the position on October 9 following elections held to chose 325 members of the House of representatives. While Islamist moderate party "PJD," which obtained 42 seats, said it is "not concerned" by such participation, the National Popular Movement party (MNP) has voiced "determination" to be part of the coming government.

The MNP (right wing/18 seats) expressed this stance in a communique released on Saturday, emphasizing its will to be part of "a strong, efficient and competent government based on a united and homogenous parliamentary majority."

Islamist moderate Justice and Development Party (PJD) said Sunday it is "not concerned" by such participation, leaving the door open, however, to reconsider its decision "should some significant developments occur."

For leftist Socialism and Progress Party (PPS/11 seats), the participation in the government was left to the discretion of the political bureau, in accordance with a resolution of the party's central committee, convened on Sunday. This decision was taken in view of the "complex" developments that took place after the legislative elections of September 27th.

The Central committee stressed the "necessity to consolidate the political, economic, social and cultural reforms initiated under the outgoing government."

The nationalist Istiqlal Party (PI/48 seats) gave full latitude to its secretariat general and executive committee "to take the decision that they consider appropriate as far as participating in the coming government is concerned."

A PI communique, made public on Saturday, said the decision was taken "in view of the current situation, to serve the supreme interests of the country, consolidate its influential position, and reforms program and in order to contribute to the construction of a modern and democratic Morocco, deriving strength from its constant ideals."

Previous Stories:
  Morocco's lower chamber to elect speaker   (10/21/2002)
  Morocco's newly-appointed premier continues consultation to form government   (10/19/2002)
  Head of daily fined for libel against fellow journalist   (10/18/2002)

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