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FACTBOX: Moroccan Islamist party the PJD
(Reuters) - Morocco's Islamist Justice and Development party (PJD) has come from the political margins a decade ago to mount a firm challenge to the country's liberal elite in parliamentary elections on Friday.
Following are facts about the PJD, whose electoral program emphasizes the family and religious values but avoids a public morality drive that might drive away tourists and scare its crucial lower middle-class support base.
BACKGROUND:
* Founded by veteran politician and palace ally Abdelkrim Al Khatib, it was called the Popular, Democratic and Constitutional Movement before adopting its present name in 1998.
* Led since 2004 by Saad Eddine Othmani, a 51-year-old doctor, psychiatrist and author on Islamic law who represents the southern town of Inezgane in parliament.
*In 2002 elections, widely seen as the fairest in Moroccan history, the PJD trebled its presence in the house of representatives to 42 seats and became the main opposition.
* Party officials say they aim to almost double their seat tally in Friday's polls and are prepared to work with the left and right to form a coalition government.
POLICIES:
* Increase the role of the religious affairs ministry in policy to promote Islamic values and "consolidate" religiousness and morality.
* Some PJD officials have attacked popular music festivals in Morocco, which they say encourage drink and drug use and promiscuity. Officially the party says it will promote art forms that support religious values but protect freedom of expression.
* Rehabilitate the institution of the family, get more poor children into school and attack illiteracy. Abolish workplace discrimination and help women take part in democracy.
* Slash urban unemployment, halve poverty and raise Morocco to 100th place in the U.N. human development index from 123rd. Attack corruption to boost Morocco's position in an international corruption index to 40 from 79.
* Cut taxes for the local middle class but double a levy on stock market deals, introduce an Islamic charity tax, Zakat, and tax selected consumer goods to finance anti-poverty programs.
