[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 187 (Wednesday, December 7, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2199]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE NOVEMBER 25, 2011 DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS OF MOROCCO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2011

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the people of Morocco for the 
free and fair Parliamentary election that took place on November 25, 
2011. Participation rates were 20 percent higher than the previous 
election held in 2007. The Justice and Development Party (PJD), a 
moderate Islamist party, secured the largest number of seats in the new 
Parliament. Morocco's King Mohammed VI, in line with the new 
constitution, has already tasked the leader of the PJD, as Head of 
Government, to form a new coalition government. This election marks the 
first time the Moroccan people have gone to the polls within the 
framework of the new constitution. With this election, Morocco has 
crossed yet another major milestone in its democratic progress. I 
extend my warm wishes to the King of Morocco for his leadership and the 
Moroccan people for their achievements so far and hope they continue on 
the path of reform and progress.

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