The elections were the first since King Mohammed VI of Morocco had come to the throne in 1999 and international observers saw it as a test of his commitment to democracy.

Issues raised in the campaign included rising prices, a salary freeze, economic stability and improvements in education and public health.

[3] Poverty and unemployment, combined with the powers which the King had reserved to himself meant many people saw little reason to vote.

[4] They supported the introduction of Islamic law but pledged to work within the existing political system.

[7] Following the election King Mohammed VI appointed the interior minister Driss Jettou as prime minister[8] and a new government was formed with roughly the same political parties supporting the coalition as before the election.