The "Afrobarometer" network, which specializes in public opinion surveys in Africa, has reported an increase in Moroccan citizens' satisfaction with democracy in their country. This satisfaction rose from 45% in 2011 to approximately 53% last year, while the sense of democracy across Africa has significantly declined, particularly in some countries like South Africa, which recorded the largest drop in this regard amid widespread disappointment among its citizens over the government's inability to combat rampant corruption.
In a similar context, the report revealed that 66% of Moroccans prefer democratic governance over other forms, with support for this type of governance increasing by 3% between 2011 and 2023. Conversely, 65% of respondents firmly reject any military intervention in politics under any pretext. In contrast, military intervention in political affairs is supported in other nations, especially Mali and Tunisia, the latter where 72% of its citizens support the military's involvement to restore democracy when a ruler tends towards tyranny or abuses power. The average rate of support for military intervention in political matters across the 39 African countries covered by the report stands at 53%.
On another note regarding voting in elections, 57% of Moroccan citizens surveyed by "Afrobarometer" indicated they enjoy complete freedom to vote in elections without any pressure. Meanwhile, 28% acknowledged some level of pressure in this regard. Additionally, the report noted that 66% of Moroccans believe elections are the best means for change, while 74% reject single-party rule, and more than half consider the peaceful transfer of power beneficial for the democratic landscape in their country.
The "Afrobarometer" report, based on continuous public opinion surveys conducted in over 30 countries over the past decade, found that support for electoral processes declined by about 8% in the surveyed countries, although most African people still view it as the best method to choose their leaders. Opposition to military rule decreased by approximately 11 percentage points in various countries, notably Mali and Burkina Faso.
The document concluded that "the worsening dissatisfaction of African citizens with democracy in their countries is closely related to the noticeable decline in political and economic performance in these nations, such as deteriorating election quality and integrity and increasing levels of corruption," emphasizing the importance of "restoring trust in African governments to ensure and strengthen responsible democratic governance."
