accredited observers from 21 countries that went to over 200 polling stations on Friday -- said in a news release that the elections `` were conducted transparently . '' The voting process was described as `` technically sound '' and `` without fear of tampering or procedural violations . '' But one institute member , Canadian Liberal Party leader Bob Rae , also pointed to the turnout and a number of invalid and spoiled ballots as negatives . `` Seeing the number of people who actively spoiled their ballots as well as those who did not participate , it is clear that the path to real change will take more effort and time , '' Rae said . Lise Storm , senior lecturer in Middle East Politics at the University of Exeter in England , said Friday that the outcome might signal whether the population is happy with the monarchy or not . The more votes for the PJD appear to indicate a desire for greater change , she said -- as opposed to votes for the bloc of traditional loyalist parties , which would suggest voters favor the status quo . Under the new constitution , approved by referendum
Casablanca , Morocco -LRB- CNN -RRB- -- A moderate Islamist party claimed victory in Morocco 's first parliamentary elections since constitutional reforms this summer . The Justice and Development Party -LRB- PJD -RRB- won 107 of the 395 seats , Interior Minister Taib Cherkaoui said Sunday . The next biggest winner was the Istiqlal Party , also known as the Independence Party , with 60 seats , the Interior Ministry 's website reported . The number of parties involved in Morocco 's multiparty system means it was unlikely a single party would win a majority of the seats , so a coalition government would have to be formed . U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton offered her congratulations Saturday `` on the successful completion '' of the elections . `` The United States stands ready to work with the new parliament and the people of Morocco to strengthen the rule of law , raise human rights standards , promote transparent and accountable governance , and work toward sustained , democratic reform , '' she said . Turnout in the North African country was 45 % , the Interior Ministry said Friday . The National Democratic Institute -- which had 41