Moroccan Elections

The victory of an Islamist Party in Morocco's parliamentary elections appears to be one more sign that religious-based parties are benefiting the most from the new freedoms brought by the Arab Spring. In Tunisia, Morocco, and most likely also Egypt, newly enfranchised populations are choosing religious parties as a rebuke to the old systems, which often espoused liberal or left-wing ideologies. The Moroccan election is part of a governmental reform process initiated by the king Mohamed VI that includes a new constitution, greater power for elected officials and devolution of authority to localities.