Morocco's ruling party eyes victory in upcoming elections: PM

Morocco's ruling Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) is on its way to a victory in the upcoming legislative polls next month, Moroccan Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane said Monday.

Also as the PJD secretary general, Benkirane noted achievements by his coalition government, stressing that his party aims to carry on the reforms launched by the current government in the last five years.

His remarks came in a meeting to prepare for the Oct. 7 election, during which he also recognized that the government did not fully succeed in fulfilling its promises in combating corruption, reforming education and significantly reducing unemployment.

PJD has led a coalition governing the North African kingdom since late 2011. The coalition guided Morocco through a turbulent period that saw many regional countries rattled by "Arab Spring" uprisings.

Meanwhile, the Islamist party faces growing opposition from rival Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM). In 2015, PJD lost to PAM in municipal elections nationally by a few votes, but won almost all major cities.

Asked about the possibility to form a collation with PAM, Benkirane insisted that his party's leadership rejects forming any coalition with PAM either it leads the polls or not.

Around 15 million Moroccans are registered to vote and 30 parties are due to take part in the election to win seats in the 395-member Chamber of Representatives, or the lower house of parliament. Campaigning officially begins on Sept. 25. Endit