Minister hails initiative to create elections watchdog association

Moroccan interior minister, Driss Jettou, hailed at a press conference Saturday the initiative taken by a group of non-governmental associations to set up an association to follow up elections as "an excellent initiative likely to lend more credibility" to this September 27 elections.

He told reporters he held recently a meeting with member of this association to exchange "in total frankness" viewpoints on preparations for the elections.

The association briefed the minister on its activities and working methods and requested arrangements to fulfill their observation duty.

After he pointed out that elections observation is regulated by legal provisions, he voiced readiness to examine any proposal in order to reach with the association a formula that does not breach the law.

He went on that this meeting reflects the keenness of the administration, political parties and the civil society that elections be transparent and credible.

The association was set up by a group of some twenty associations active in local development, women, youth and culture to foster citizens' awareness and involvement in the electoral process.