Several petitioners at the 4th Committee of the UN General Assembly emphasized the significant participation of residents in Morocco's southern provinces in the September 23 legislative elections. They view this as a tangible demonstration of the population's commitment to democratic processes and representative institutions in Morocco.
According to British jurist and lawyer Andrew Rosemarine, the regions of the Moroccan Sahara recorded the highest participation rates in the recent legislative elections. He noted that the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region had a participation rate of around 80%. This level of electoral mobilization reflects the populations' adherence to national political life and the democratic nature of Morocco's sovereignty exercise in the region.
Rosemarine highlighted that Morocco's adoption of an "advanced democratic" constitution in 2011 and the implementation of advanced regionalization in the southern provinces have contributed to the region's economic growth and multidimensional development. These efforts have led to improved living conditions and increased opportunities for the local population.
Greek university professor Nikaky Lygeros emphasized the importance of representativity, stating that a significant majority of southern province residents participate in elections and freely choose their representatives in elected institutions. He stressed that representativity is demonstrated through facts, not just proclamations, and that the population's participation in the electoral process is a key aspect of their engagement with the democratic system.
Teguh Santosa, a lecturer in international relations at the Islamic University of Jakarta, noted that development programs in the southern provinces rely on the active involvement of democratically elected Sahrawi representatives. These programs focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship, aiming to ensure that the benefits of development directly reach the local population.
The petitioners at the 4th Committee argued that the high voter turnout in the southern provinces is an indicator of the local population's commitment to Morocco's democratic institutions and their involvement in public affairs through representative mechanisms. This participation demonstrates the population's attachment to the democratic process and their desire to contribute to the region's development.
The discussions at the 4th Committee highlighted the complexities of the Moroccan Sahara issue and the need for a nuanced understanding of the region's political and social dynamics. The petitioners' interventions underscored the importance of considering the perspectives and experiences of the local population in any discussion of the region's future.
Key points
- High voter turnout in Morocco's southern provinces reflects local population's commitment to democratic processes.
- Advanced regionalization and democratic constitution have contributed to economic growth and development in the region.
- Local population's participation in elections and development programs demonstrates their engagement with Morocco's democratic institutions.
