Commenting on the Moroccan elections, the President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek stated:

"Moroccans have held their first elections after the sea changes which have moved the North Africa and the Middle East closer to democracy. Elections are the best way to test the will and aspirations of the people.

I regret that the EU was not invited to send an election observation mission. We have a strong partnership with Morocco, and are deeply committed to assist in democratic transitions taking place in North Africa. We hoped that - as was the case in Tunisia - we would have been allowed to be with the Moroccan people in their country on the crucial day of elections.

Moroccans are keen on the democratic reforms to happen, but a swifter and more inclusive democratic transition would have seen a much stronger popular support. It is now for the new parliament, and especially the winners of the elections, to convince the public - through their tireless work for the good of the Moroccan people - that parliament's new powers introduced through constitutional changes, have a concrete, positive effect on the political, economic and social life of the citizens.

A special responsibility in this regard has been placed on the Justice and Development Party. At a time of deep political and economic changes, it must ensure that the new government has as wide a support as possible. Genuine dialogue with the whole society is crucial and the policies the government will introduce must properly take into account the will of the Moroccan people.

The new parliament will also have to play a key role in ensuring that democratic reforms continue, at a pace which corresponds to the expectations of the people.

The European Parliament - as well as the entire EU - is ready to work with its new partners in the newly elected Moroccan assembly. Our cooperation must reflect not only the gradual changes taking place in Morocco, but also the much greater shift that are reshaping our regional partnership into a true partnership of the people, by the people, for the people.

• Marcin Grajewski

  Press Team Leader

  Mobile: +32 498 981 550

• Giacomo Fassina

  GSM: +32 498 98 33 10