Morocco: Women pin hopes on 2009 communal elections

A Moroccan woman examines a blank chart of constituencies. Associations throughout Morocco are rallying efforts to give electors more women candidates in the 2009 communal elections.

Moroccan women hold only a half-percent of the country's local political positions, run just 127 of 1,497 communes and serve as mayor of only one town. In the run-up to Morocco's 2009 communal elections, civil society is now rallying to change this situation.

The effort to increase women's political representation at the municipal level is finding support from an alliance of nearly 1,000 associations across Morocco. Under the banner, "The One-Third Movement", the new federation has launched a large-scale campaign aimed at convincing politicians to amend the electoral code. Activists want the law to require that women comprise at least a third of listed candidates in the upcoming municipal elections.

"The most important thing for us is that women participate more. We’re not even talking about equality, just a third," says Khadija Rebbah, president of the Casablanca branch of the Moroccan Women’s Democratic Association.

Nouzha Skelli, the Minister for Social Development, the Family and Solidarity, says it is time to give women the place they deserve at the local level. If women are left on the sidelines, she asserts, half of society will find itself marginalised.

"Women have a lot of potential and they must be given the opportunity to show what they’re capable of," she tells Magharebia, adding, "It’s absolutely essential that we get above the level of 0.56%".

According to the president of the Moroccan Human Rights Organisation, however, the communal elections pose a major problem for improving women’s representation. "This is due to the absence of all-women lists, as happened during the legislative elections," Amina Bouayache explained.

The new federation's plan to raise awareness within parliament, political parties and the government is already beginning to see results. Some political parties now promise to give women greater participation during next year's elections.

Said Ameskane, a spokesman for the Mouvement Populaire, told Magharebia: "My party will give women a big opportunity. However, priority will be given to those who work at the grassroots level and are popular with voters."

The National Rally of Independents will also attach great importance to fielding women candidates, said party official Anis Birou.

"You feel that there is the political will at the national level to give women the place they deserve within decision-making authorities," political science professor Ahmed Badri explained, noting that "the appointment of seven women to the government proves this". Still, he added, "efforts need to be pursued at the local level so that the country can rise up the international rankings".

"Morocco is ranked 92nd in the world in terms of women’s representation," he said.

Voters disagree as to women’s ability to run public affairs. While many young people say they will make their choice based on clearly-defined criteria, irrespective of the candidate’s gender, older people make no secret of their preference for male candidates.

"I think it doesn’t really matter whether the candidate is a man or a woman. The main thing is that they should be honest, hold at least the baccalaureate, and be committed to serving their region," medical student Amine Belghiti told Magharebia. "I’d be happy to vote for a woman."

50-year-old nurse Mohamed Farkhati has a totally different opinion: "Politics isn’t for women. They will never be able to run things better than men. I will not allow a woman to run the affairs of my commune," he told us. His view is shared by a large number of other voters, both male and female.

To change this well-entrenched perspective, awareness-raising activity will continue at the regional level by associations and at the local level by political parties.

The "One-Third Movement" plans to step up its efforts over the next few months, as the municipal elections in Morocco draw near.

- Sarah Touahri, Magharebia