King Mohammed VI Urges Voters to Act in Good Conscience in Forthcoming Elections

PERSISMA, Tetouan – King Mohammed VI urged voters to act “in good conscience” and to “have in mind the citizens’ and nation’s interest” during the forthcoming elections.

“I, therefore, urge voters to act in good conscience and to have in mind the citizens’ and nation’s interest during the poll, regardless of considerations of any kind”, the king stressed in a speech to the nation on the occasion of the 17th anniversary of the Throne Day.

“I also call on political parties to endorse representatives who meet the requirements of competence, integrity, responsibility and keenness to serve citizens”, the Sovereign said.

The Monarch noted that the governing parties have to defend their action during their tenure, while the opposition is required to offer constructive criticism and propose realistic alternatives, within the framework of fair competition, to find tangible solutions to citizens’ real issues and problems.

“During the last 17 years, we have managed to implement thorough political reforms and carry out major economic and human development projects, which have reshaped the country”, the King said, noting that “there is still much more to do, particularly as we are entering a new era, starting with the upcoming parliamentary elections”.

“As the guarantor of respect for the Constitution, the smooth running of institutions and the safeguard of the democratic choice, I do not take part in polls, nor do I belong to any political party. I am the King of all Moroccans, candidates and voters – and also of those who do not vote”, he stressed.

“Furthermore, I am the King of all political organizations, without any discrimination or exception. As I said previously: the only party I am proud to belong to is Morocco,” he added.

Noting that the King has a special status in the political system, King Mohammed VI stressed that all actors, candidates and parties should therefore avoid involving the King in any electoral or party rows.

“It is a watershed moment when we put things back on track: turn the page of an era when political parties used elections to gain access to power and inaugurate an era when this power lies with citizens, who have the duty to choose their representatives and hold them to account”, the King said.

Citizens are the core element in the electoral process, not the parties, nor the candidates, the Monarch noted, adding that citizens are the source of power, which they delegate to their representatives and they have the power to hold them to account and replace them, on the basis of what they have achieved during their mandate.

For its part, the government, which oversees the electoral process, under the authority of the Prime Minister and the responsibility of the Minister of the Interior and the Minister of Justice and Liberties, also has to fulfill its duty in making sure this process is fair and transparent, the Sovereign pointed out.

In this regard, the King noted that “should there be any violations – something that happens in any election – they have to be addressed in accordance with the law and examined by the competent judicial authorities”.

“I am, however, astounded to see some parties indulge in practices that are contrary to the ethics and ideals of political action, making statements and using expressions that tarnish the reputation of the nation and the credibility and sanctity of institutions, in their attempt to gain voters’ support,” he regretted.

The Monarch seized this occasion to give examples of serious violations and misconduct that are specific to electoral periods and which “should be combatted, while perpetrators should be punished”.

As soon as election dates draw near, confusion reigns, people turn their backs on each other and everyone, government and parties, candidates and voters, lose their minds and create chaos and conflicts that have nothing to do with the process of free choice, which is incarnated by elections, the King said.

“I would like to say to everyone, the governing parties and the opposition: stop using the nation to settle personal accounts or achieve strictly party-related purposes”, he concluded.