The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

Morocco’s Nov. 25 parliamentary elections – the first since popular protests earlier this year prompted a reform process and revisions to the country’s constitution – were conducted transparently, according to an international observation mission organized by NDI.

In its statement, the Institute noted that the lack of voter enthusiasm, calls for an election day boycott, and the significant number of invalid and spoiled ballots collectively “signal citizen interest in further and deeper reform.”

Earlier this year, Morocco saw an unprecedented rise in political engagement as young people, inspired by popular uprisings elsewhere in North Africa, rallied fellow citizens into the streets. Mass demonstrations against corruption, inequality and the monarchy’s hold on power pushed King Mohamed VI to call for revisions to Morocco’s constitution. 

Young leaders from Guinean political parties and civil society have pledged to promote peaceful elections and encourage adherence to the country’s code of conduct for legislative elections scheduled for later this year.  The public declaration grew out of an Oct. 22 meeting in the capital, Conakry, attended by young leaders representing 29 political parties and grassroots organizations.