France praises Moroccan vote
10/09/2007 15:29  - (SA)  

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Moroccans stick to status quo Morocco conservatives win vote Moroccans start voting Morocco's democracy 'at stake'

Paris - France on Monday welcomed the outcome of elections in Morocco as proof that democracy had taken hold in the North African country and said the vote was held in a transparent manner.

Morocco's nationalist party, Istiqlal, emerged as the surprise winner in the elections held on Friday that had been expected to see moderate Islamists gain ground. The vote was marred by the lowest turnout ever.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Frederic Desagneaux said: "France welcomes the good conduct of the Moroccan legislative elections, which confirms that democracy is firmly rooted in Morocco."

The foreign ministry noted that the "vote verified by teams of national and international observers was transparent and without irregularities" and that the "exemplary calm allowed Moroccan citizens to exercise their free choice".

President Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday had congratulated Moroccan King Mohammed VI, saluting his commitment to a "transparent electoral process" in the former French protectorate.

Istiqlal won 52 seats in the vote, five more than the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party. The Union of Socialist Popular Forces, which previously held the most seats, won only 36.

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