One of the main aspects of the EU new Neighbourhood Policy towards countries of the Maghreb is the strengthening of the democratization process. Islamic parties which were for a long time kept in illegal opposition and are now official, such as the Movement of the Society for Peace in Algeria and the Justice and Development Party in Morocco are appearing increasingly as actors that can play a role in the transformation process of the Maghreb.

This study analyses and compares both parties with respect to issues such as democratisation, good governance, human rights and the rule of law.