Opposition group calls for boycott of Morocco's parliament election

he Justice and Spirituality Organization (JSO), regarded as the largest opposition group in Morocco, has called for the boycott of the upcoming parliament election, local media reported Tuesday.

Citing a statement from JSO, the Moroccan daily Al Massae said the Islamist group insisted that under the present constitution and political circumstances, "elections are meaningless and would not bring any difference."

The Islamist group said it will not participate in the polls and incited Moroccans to boycott, the same source added.

The illegal but nonviolent group has repeatedly boycotted elections. It was one of the main components of the February 20th Movement that led the Arab Spring of 2011 in Morocco.

On Feb. 20, 2011, following the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, thousands in Morocco marched across the country in a call for greater social justice and democracy.

After a quick response from the monarchy, a more open constitution was adopted and a general election led to a historic victory for the popular Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD).

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. The campaign is to officially begin on Sept. 25. Endit