Transformaciones demográficas y competición política. Obstáculos al autogobierno saharaui en clave electoral

Abstract

Demographic changes underway in the W estern Sahara territory under sovereignty dispute between Morocco and the Polisario Front have an impact on the political processes in the region. This article analyses these transformations taking as starting point the elections that have been held in the Saharan city of Dakhla in the last two decades (2002-2011). Our working hypothesis is that the demographic variable has a far-reaching transformative potential for this and other political processes. However, its consequences are occurring gradually. There are dynamics and decisions in place that prevent an abrupt change in the structure of power. This is thus a scenario of "controlled change".