Moroccans vote amid worries about jobs, Islamic extremism
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RABAT- Millions of Moroccans headed out to vote Friday, with worries about joblessness and extremism on their minds as they choose which party will lead their next government.
Adultery scandals and thwarted election-day attacks marked the unusually venomous campaign in this North African nation, which is allied with the US and seen as a model of stability and relative prosperity in the region.
Top contenders are a moderate Islamist party and an up-and-coming rival party seen as close to the royal palace. The palace pledged to loosen control over Moroccan politics after Arab Spring protests five years ago, but still retains control over major policy decisions.
"We are just hoping for the best" after the harsh campaign, said Fatima Ibn Abou, among dozens voting at the Mouad Ibn Jabal middle school in Casablanca where the prime minister is casting his ballot.
