Moroccans call for boycott of elections

Thousands of pro-reform protesters in Morocco have taken to the streets across the country to demonstrate against the upcoming elections, which they call “a piece of theater.” The pro-democracy demonstrations, organized by the February 20 movement, are beginning to pick up steam as Moroccan candidates start their campaigns for the November 25 elections, AP reported on Sunday. “If you vote or don't, it's all the same,” a Moroccan said. Other protesters were seen carrying stickers reading “I'm boycotting, how about you?” The elections are supposed to be part of a reform process ostensibly meant to limit the powers of King Mohammed VI and to transfer some of his authority to parliament. Morocco held a referendum on reforms on July 1 that was approved by a majority of the people. The reforms call for the direct election of the prime minister, who was formerly appointed by the king himself. However, the king remains the head of state and commander in chief of the military as well as the highest religious authority in the country. Moroccans demonstrators say the reforms are just window-dressing and are pressing their demand for real limitations on the king's authorities. The February 20 Movement is named after the date Moroccans, inspired by the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, first began their anti-government demonstrations.