Asharq Al Awsat: Government comitted to hold local elections by october

Morocco's Communication Minister and Government Spokesman, Nabil Benabdellah, said the government is committed to holding local elections by next October, brushing aside some press reports that hinted recently to a delay.

In an interview carried on Monday by Arab daily "Asharq Al Awsat," Benabdellah stressed the government's "firm will" to complete the electoral process "so that the Chamber of Advisers carries out its role in conformity with the constitution."

The Chamber of Advisors is elected at the indirect suffrage by colleges comprising local councils, trade unions and professional associations.

The Moroccan official said that registration applications in the electoral rolls have reached by mid-April 966,000 out of the forecast 1,5 million, noting that the new registration deadline (April 18-24) "will be judiciously used."

He further called on youths to take part in managing public affairs as a contribution to the democratization process in the country.