JUSTICE AND INTERIOR MINISTRIES COLLABORATE ON

UNCLAS RABAT 001506 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG, DRL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PINR PREL MO SUBJECT: JUSTICE AND INTERIOR MINISTRIES COLLABORATE ON ELECTIONS ¶1. (U) On August 4, the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) and the Ministry of the Interior (MOI) signed a joint communique expressing their determination to counter any violation of the legal conditions of the upcoming Upper House parliamentary elections, as reported in all major media outlets. The elections, which are scheduled for September 8, will replace one-third of the Upper House's members. The communique reinforces the MOI and MOJ's last joint communique, published in August 2003, which listed election rules and procedures stipulated in the Lower House organic law in hopes of ensuring transparency in the electoral process. ¶2. (U) Public authorities are to present "judicial and administrative guarantees" in order to pave the way for "healthy and loyal political competition between different political formations," according to French-language daily, L'Economiste (August 8). The communique also urges all political parties, unions, council and professional chamber elected officials, delegates, and all involved personnel to respect the law and to abstain from using any influence over the voter's choice, including vote buying or the use of threats and other constraints which would "falsify the will of the voters and offend public order." It also calls for judicial pursuit of those suspected of violating the electoral law. ¶3. (U) The Minister of Justice, Mohammed Bouzoubaa, stated on national TV channel 2M on August 4 that Morocco has moved on from the period when the administration intervened in the electoral process, mentioning that the current problem is linked to corruption. Bouzoubaa explained that the joint communique aims at fighting corruption and ensuring the transparency of the upcoming elections. ¶4. (U) The Minister of the Interior, Chakib Benmoussa, said during a 2M interview on August 4 that he hopes every party will take its share of responsibility in ensuring an environment for the success of the upcoming elections. Benmoussa also emphasized that his department has given firm instructions to walis and governors to use all judicial and material means at their disposal to handle any immoral practices and to implement the judicial mechanisms necessary in order to guarantee the credibility of the upcoming 2007 elections. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** RILEY