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Despite the internal and international crises that harassed Morocco the elections remained a central issue.

They figured prominently in the Balafrej government of May, 1958, which the King was reportedly determined to keep in office until elections could be held.

But the eagerly sought `` homogeneity '' of the Balafrej Council of Government was never achieved as the Istiqlal quarreled over foreign policy, labor politics and economic development.

By December, 1958, when ' Abdallah Ibrahim became President of the Council, elections had even greater importance.

They were increasingly looked upon as a means of establishing the new rural communes as the focus of a new, constructive national effort.

To minimize the chances of repeating the Balafrej debacle the Ibrahim government was formed.

A titre personnel and a special office was created in the Ministry of the Interior to plan and to conduct the elections.

By this time there is little doubt but what election plans were complete.

There remained only the delicate task of maneuvering the laws through the labyrinth of Palace politics and making a small number of policy decisions.