RABAT, Morocco (AP) — Election results for 50 seats out of 395 in Morocco’s parliament are suggesting a strong showing by a moderate Islamist party.
The state news agency early Saturday announced results for just a fraction of the parliament, but already the opposition Justice and Development Party looks to have dramatically increased its share of the parliament. The results show the party winning 40 percent of seats so far.
In response to Arab Spring protest, Morocco’s king modified the constitution and brought forward elections.
Activists, however, have called the moves insincere and clamored for a boycott.
The government announced a 45 percent turnout in Friday’s contests, slightly more than legislative elections in 2007, but still less than other polls in this North African kingdom.
