Politicians and everyday citizens were eager for a new face to lead the House of Representatives.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 14/04/10
Senior Moroccan statesman Abdelwahad Radi's return last week to the presidency of the House of Representatives is prompting some fellow legislators and ordinary citizens to question the political process.
The 75-year old, a Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) parliamentarian since 1963, has already served twice as leader of Morocco's lower house; his election on Friday (April 9th) marks his third turn.
Some Moroccans wonder if there is a lack of viable candidates for the sensitive position, which ranks third in national protocol, after the prime minister and the king.
To political science expert Said Bouchat, the process of selecting who fills the post was undemocratic because various political agendas, such as preparations for the 2012 legislative elections, were a factor.
Some USFP members had hoped Radi would honor earlier promises to limit himself to party management. They regretted that he had not conceded the House presidency to another politician.
Up until the election, in fact, many people, including members of the press, thought former Education Minister Habib El Malki was going to be the USFP choice.
But USFP political bureau member Abdelhadi Khairat believes that the position requires a senior and experienced man who can create the desired consensus within the majority and the opposition.
"There is no one more qualified than Radi to be President of the House of Representatives, which is still a very sensitive position requiring a charismatic leader," Khairat said.
Radi's experience, however, raises the issue of his age.
"A few people in their fifties are still waiting their turn to assume responsibility. The 'turn-taking' practice must be eradicated in favor of young people in their thirties and forties," said one political leader who preferred to remain anonymous.
"Those in their fifties must give up the seat if we are to create real politics," he added. Younger Moroccan citizens also commented on Radi's age.
"It is disappointing to see young people having no room in the political agenda," student Salim Bamousse told Magharebia.
The USFP should have chosen "someone who is younger and dynamic", he added, "especially since the party is full of young members of the Parliament, both men and women."
To ensure democracy, bank employee Asmae Noumairi told Magharebia, Morocco must change its political culture.
"There has never been a female speaker of the Parliament in Morocco, even if many female parliamentarians have been recognized for their legislative efforts," she said.
"Female ministers have also shown they were very competent," Noumairi added. "We do not know why women are not chosen by their parties."
MP Fatima Moustaghfir is also frustrated that a female was not considered for the position.
"Doesn't USFP have competent women and young candidates besides the experienced Abdelahed Radi, whom I greatly respect? I would love to see a female candidate, even if she would not win the presidency," she said.
Source: Magharebia.com
Link: http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2010/04/14/feature-02.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 14/04/10
Senior Moroccan statesman Abdelwahad Radi's return last week to the presidency of the House of Representatives is prompting some fellow legislators and ordinary citizens to question the political process.
The 75-year old, a Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) parliamentarian since 1963, has already served twice as leader of Morocco's lower house; his election on Friday (April 9th) marks his third turn.
Some Moroccans wonder if there is a lack of viable candidates for the sensitive position, which ranks third in national protocol, after the prime minister and the king.
To political science expert Said Bouchat, the process of selecting who fills the post was undemocratic because various political agendas, such as preparations for the 2012 legislative elections, were a factor.
Some USFP members had hoped Radi would honor earlier promises to limit himself to party management. They regretted that he had not conceded the House presidency to another politician.
Up until the election, in fact, many people, including members of the press, thought former Education Minister Habib El Malki was going to be the USFP choice.
But USFP political bureau member Abdelhadi Khairat believes that the position requires a senior and experienced man who can create the desired consensus within the majority and the opposition.
"There is no one more qualified than Radi to be President of the House of Representatives, which is still a very sensitive position requiring a charismatic leader," Khairat said.
Radi's experience, however, raises the issue of his age.
"A few people in their fifties are still waiting their turn to assume responsibility. The 'turn-taking' practice must be eradicated in favor of young people in their thirties and forties," said one political leader who preferred to remain anonymous.
"Those in their fifties must give up the seat if we are to create real politics," he added. Younger Moroccan citizens also commented on Radi's age.
"It is disappointing to see young people having no room in the political agenda," student Salim Bamousse told Magharebia.
The USFP should have chosen "someone who is younger and dynamic", he added, "especially since the party is full of young members of the Parliament, both men and women."
To ensure democracy, bank employee Asmae Noumairi told Magharebia, Morocco must change its political culture.
"There has never been a female speaker of the Parliament in Morocco, even if many female parliamentarians have been recognized for their legislative efforts," she said.
"Female ministers have also shown they were very competent," Noumairi added. "We do not know why women are not chosen by their parties."
MP Fatima Moustaghfir is also frustrated that a female was not considered for the position.
"Doesn't USFP have competent women and young candidates besides the experienced Abdelahed Radi, whom I greatly respect? I would love to see a female candidate, even if she would not win the presidency," she said.
Source: Magharebia.com
Link: http://www.magharebia.com/cocoon/awi/xhtml1/en_GB/features/awi/features/2010/04/14/feature-02.
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