IRI Launches Get-Out-The-Vote Campaign

April 11, 2003

IRI staff traveled to Morocco from March 9 to 20 to initiate a get-out-the-vote (GOTV) effort that the Institute is coordinating with Moroccan nongovernmental organizations. Staff met with key partner organizations during the trip and facilitated the formation of a coalition designed to encourage voter participation in Morocco's June 2003 commune elections. The GOTV effort will use a variety of multimedia and grassroots tools to target traditionally marginalized segments of Moroccan society, especially young voters.

In January 2003, as part the country's continued tentative political reform steps, Morocco lowered its voting age from 20 to 18. This change enfranchises some two million new, first-time voters in time for the coming commune elections in June. IRI's GOTV effort will help articulate the importance of citizenship and democratic participation through the ballot box to these new voters as well as others.

IRI also is planning to work with local councilors in key urban centers after the election. This will be an effort to improve the performance of local elected government in community development planning and basic service delivery.

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