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Islamicists expected to double seats in Morocco's parliament

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Friday, September 27, 2002

CAIRO Ñ Islamic fundamentalists were expected to achieve major gains in Morocco's parliamentary elections.

The Justice and Development Party, with 14 seats, asserted that it would double its representation in Friday's elections. The party opposes Morocco's participation in any U.S.-led war against Iraq.

The elections were the first for parliament since 1997. The previous elections garnered a turnout of 58 percent and were marred by fraud. There are 325 seats in the Chamber of Representatives. About 14 million Moroccans are eligible to vote.

In all, 26 parties are competing in the elections. Morocco has a coalition government led by the Socialist Union of Popular Forces.

This will be the first time that Morocco has reserved 30 seats for women.

Authorities have been on alert for unrest during the elections. On Thursday, officials reported that explosives were found on a jet of the state-owned Moroccan Royal Airlines that contained 168 passengers A statement by the airlines said about 100 grams of an explosives were found in a plane heading to France from Marrakesh. Authorities said the explosives were of the same type found on Al Qaida operative Richard Reid in December.

In contrast to Morocco, Jordan has delayed elections in fear of an Islamic victory. On Thursday, the Jordanian government of Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb reshuffled his Cabinet and replaced five ministers. They were the ministers of agriculture, economy, health, higher education and social development.

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