(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Most people in Morocco believe candidates to the country's legislature should pay special attention to social problems, according to a poll by LMS-CSA. 70 per cent of respondents consider unemployment an important electoral issue.

Improving the health care system is second on the list of topics with 65 per cent, followed by fighting poverty with 54 per cent, battling corruption with 40 per cent, resolving the dispute over Western Sahara with 20 per cent, and fighting terrorism also with 20 per cent.

An election to the 325-seat Assembly of Representatives is scheduled to take place on Sept. 7. The two parties that currently dominate the lower house—the Socialist Union of People's Forces (USFP) and the Independence Party (Hizb al-Istiqlal)—will face a challenge from the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD).

In October 2002, Driss Jettou was appointed by King Mohammed VI as prime minister. Jettou is not a member of any political party, but governs with the support of the USFP and the Independence Party. Jettou had previously served as finance minister and interior minister.

On Aug. 20, Mohammed VI told Moroccans to "respect the will of the people" and called for a clean and fair election, adding, "You are called to choose your future. Participation in democracy is part of a citizen's responsibilities. (...) Do not give your trust to those who do not deserve it and do not sell your vote. By doing so you give up your constitutional right to vote freely."

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