REUTERS - Moroccans voted on Friday in a local election that opposition Islamists hope will extend their influence in cities across the kingdom.
 
The vote is the first major test for the governing coalition of conservatives and socialists since the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) scored its best result in 2007 legislative polls.
 
The authorities hope to improve on that year's record-low 37 percent turnout, seen as proof of widespread disillusionment with party politics and a history of unmet promises that may have played into the PJD's hands.
 
"There are 20 people working here and not one of us has gone to vote," said Rabat couscous restaurant manager Hassan. "People used to queue up at election time but not any more. They aren't stupid. You can't fool them twice."
 
Polls opened at 8 a.m. (0700 GMT) and will close at 7 p.m. By midday, turnout was over 12 percent, the government said.
 
Reuters reporters visiting polling stations in the capital saw a steady trickle of voters but no queues. Election officials said many Moroccans would vote following afternoon prayers.
 
King Mohammed has kept a tight grip on power while loosening restrictions on political activity, improving Morocco's human rights record and granting women more equality.
 
Over 13 million people can vote for 130,223 candidates vying for 27,795 seats in 1,503 village and city councils. Analysts expect a higher turnout in rural areas than cities.
 
"The attention of top government officials and party leaders will be focused on the turnout rate because they are terrified of a boycott and so-called voter apathy," said Khaled al Harri, a political analyst.
 
Much of the focus is on Fez, Casablanca, Rabat and other big cities where the PJD is vying with Istiqlal (Independence), a conservative, establishment party which leads the government.
 
PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane told reporters he expected a strong result, but the party is fielding far few candidates that Istiqlal and has slimmer chances in rural areas where family and tribal links often ensure victory for local dignitaries.
 
A proportional voting system makes it almost impossible for a single party to gain outright control of one town and the final result often depends on deals between the parties.
 
Residents of poorer areas say vote buying is common and illiteracy makes it hard to get a political message across.
 
"If someone sees a party whose symbol is a kettle, they'll vote for it because they like tea," said civil servant Iza Resghani, 48.
 
The PJD's rivals say it projects a moderate image but that grass roots members want to enforce a conservative agenda and rein in personal freedoms.
 
The party presents itself as an alternative to what it calls a self-serving elite that enriched itself at the country's expense and sat back as moral values declined and crime grew.
 
In Rabat's working class Youssoufia neighbourhood, the PJD was barred from fielding candidates in 2003 local elections but hopes to win 14 out of 37 seats this time around. It promises better housing, less crime and better use of public funds.
 
"There are 7,000 people on the public payroll here but lots of those are phantom jobs," said Youssoufia PJD candidate Abdesslam Belaji. "Some of these people moonlight as taxi drivers or traders. Some even live in France and Italy."
 
The vote will also test the appeal of a new party loyal to the king, which plans to step up opposition to the government.
 
Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) has positioned itself as an alternative to both the Islamists and old parties like Istiqlal.
 
The government lost its parliamentary majority last month when PAM withdrew its support. PAM's 46 lawmakers are now in opposition but one of its leaders remains education minister.