Political Islam in Morocco, CEPS Working Document No. 269, June 2007

Amghar, Samir. (2007) Political Islam in Morocco, CEPS Working Document No. 269, June 2007.

Abstract

According to a survey by the International Republican Institute in the US, the Islamists will take the majority of seats in the legislative elections in Morocco this September 2007, with nearly 47% of votes cast. This paper looks at the key players on the Moroccan political stage and the potential challenges to relations with Europe if these parties are called upon to manage public affairs. Represented by the Party of Justice and Development and the Association for Justice and Charity, Moroccan Islam has seen an ideological transformation from radical − even violent − political doctrine to a more pragmatic and progressive strategy. This volte-face goes hand in hand with a policy of dialogue and collaboration with EU member states and with the US.