Morocco Islamists say ready to join govt.

Morocco's Islamist opposition declared their readiness to join the coming government, in case they secure a strong role to play, according to statements by their leader.

"We are not opposed in principle to taking part in the next government, but we will certainly not go in at any price," Justice and Development Party (PJD) leader Saad Eddine Othmani, told Reuters Friday.

King Mohammed chose Abbas El Fassi, leader of the conservative Istiqlal (Independence) party and outgoing minister without portfolio, to head the next government after Sept. 7 polls marked by a record-low turnout and widespread apathy.

The PJD won 46 seats in parliament to Istiqlal's 52, but had hoped for at least 70 and accused unnamed opponents of using money to stop it taking top spot in the assembly's lower house.

As El Fassi began consultations on forming the new government, some political analysts played down the prospect of a role for the PJD, saying it burned its bridges by crying foul over electoral corruption.

"I personally am in favor of us continuing in opposition but if there is a formal request then the idea will be put before our national council," Othmani told Reuters.

It would be "preferable for the PJD to be part of a strong opposition than take a weak role in the next government under Mr El Fassi," Othmani told Asharq al-Awsat newspaper.

He added that he was against joining the new government because of what he called the "Balkanization of the political map" in Morocco.

"First we need to see which parties would take part, the government's priorities and the number of parties involved. The last government contained seven parties and that slowed things down. We need a strong government."

The PJD was kept out of the last coalition and analysts said that while it was possible the party could be involved this time, most said the outgoing coalition would probably be renewed.