Morocco's National Front Against Extremism Raises Alarm on Religious Exploitation
In a significant declaration marking its tenth anniversary, Morocco's National Front Against Extremism has issued a stern warning regarding the manipulation of religion for political and electoral mobilization, particularly as the country approaches its legislative elections. This cautionary statement specifically targets the rhetoric associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, represented in Morocco by the Justice and Development Party (PJD) and its leaders. The Front expressed deep concern over the potential transformation of the electoral process into a so-called "religious duty," which could lead to the coercion of citizens' consciences, emphasizing that faith should not be a political agenda, and sacred beliefs do not belong to any political party or group.
The Front further underscored that the ballot box should serve as a platform for evaluating economic and social programs rather than a tool for religious coercion or fear tactics. They articulated alarm over recent statements made by PJD Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane, who suggested that failure to secure a leading position in the elections would constitute evidence of "fraud," threatening to incite protests and create unrest in the event of a loss. According to the Front, such rhetoric undermines legitimate political competition and jeopardizes the democratic process and public trust in institutions. They contend that using religion and threatening chaos are two sides of the same coin, aimed at undermining voters' will.
Call for a Binding Charter Against Religious Exploitation
In light of what they described as the excesses of the Brotherhood and its political fronts, the National Front is advocating for a binding charter that would require religiously-oriented parties to refrain from exploiting religious sentiments during elections. They propose that violators should face legal accountability and firmly reject the "hijacking" of the Palestinian cause, denouncing its use as a political tool for electoral mobilization or instigating discord within Moroccan society. The Front asserts that solidarity with the Palestinian people should not equate to animosity towards Jewish citizens or the division of society. Moreover, they emphasize that Morocco's foreign policy is not the prerogative of any party or organization.
As reported by hafryat.com.
