You say:

“We need to magnify our vote through citizen action.”

Yet the way you put it in your post here made you sound as if you approve of inaction as an action itself in protest against the system. It sounded very disappointing, I did not expect that from you.

“Here is where I stand. Whether in the U.S. or Morocco, every vote matters, but voting alone is not enough. We need to magnify our vote through citizen action. We need to practice our basic rights, such as the right to organize or the right to freedom of speech. We need to work with those around us, educate through example, and rather than waiting for permission from above, transform society from within.”

“Anyone who says this is a victory for Moroccan democracy has been smoking something. This was a victory for subtle, technocratic gaming of the system that gave the Makhzen exactly what it wanted, a free ride for five more years. I don’t see how this can be healthy in the long run, because the disillusionment bubbling beneath the surface is not going to go away, only now the safety valve is shut for five more years. The only other “winners|||€ in this process are those who boycotted the elections altogether in order to discredit the system, since it will be hard for the powers that be to spin a 37% turnout as a vote of confidence.”

I’m sorry, but these are words of a pessimist if you ask me. I don’t doubt you say this with the best of intentions, the fact that you invest so much time and energy into voicing the Moroccan people’s concerns on your blog, is a clear indication that you’re emotionally involved, that’s very nice of you. It shows that you care, but you’re clearly not being careful not to get sucked into complacency. If you have the Moroccan people’s best interest at heart, you shouldn’t let emotions cloud your reason, you should encourage them and seek ways to empower them instead. How can you speak of a victory for those who chose not to vote? This is the time when you should point out the negative in choosing NOT to participate in the principal formation years of their young democracy. Government is going to take place with or without their votes anyway, wouldn’t it be better if they had at least some say in the final outcome. Morocco’s determination to change its ways for a better future has been heard throughout the world and many nations have demonstrated their willingness to support Morocco by investing not only in its business sector but in the private sector as well. Democracy doesn’t happen overnight, it takes everyone’s participation and hard work. We may not get it right at first, but we’re at least working on it. Are you willing to jump in and help work out the kinks or are you comfortable wallowing in other people’s misery? :P