Moroccans elect new leaders in shadow of virus

Moroccans are choosing a new parliament and new local leaders in elections reshaped by the pandemic

RABAT, Morocco -- Moroccans are choosing a new parliament and new local leaders Wednesday in elections reshaped by the pandemic. Candidates are promising to create jobs and boost Morocco's economy, education and health care. The kingdom has been hit hard by the pandemic, but has Africa's highest vaccination rate so far. Despite a dip in popularity in recent years, the governing Islamist party is eyeing a third term at the helm of the government if it again wins the most parliament seats. But a recent election reform could limits its powers, and the role of lawmakers is limited by the powers of King Mohamed VI, who oversees strategic decision-making. The outcome of Wednesday's voting is difficult to predict since opinion polls on elections are banned. The race will likely be close and no matter which party wins the most seats, it will likely need to cobble together a coalition with other parties to form the government.