The electoral landscape in the Marrakech city-sidi Youssef Ben Ali district is characterized by its unique blend of historical and modern influences, merging the old city with the Sidi Youssef Ben Ali municipality and the urban expansion of the Tastanate community. This geographical synthesis creates a vibrant electoral battleground where various political considerations intersect. As we approach the legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026, the significance of previous election results, particularly from 2016 and 2021, cannot be overstated. These results provide a crucial benchmark for assessing the changing dynamics within this constituency.
From Dominance to a Multi-Party Landscape
The 2021 election, held on September 8, marked a significant turning point in the area's political affiliations. The Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) emerged as the frontrunner, garnering 16,136 votes and securing a seat through candidate Fatima Zahra Mansouri, who later went on to serve as the party’s local leadership coordinator. The Istiqlal Party followed closely, amassing 11,361 votes and winning a seat through Abdul Aziz Darwish, while the National Rally of Independents (RNI), which led the outgoing government coalition, came in third with 8,753 votes, obtaining their seat through Younes Ben Seliman. This distribution resulted in a balanced allocation of the three available seats among the coalition parties: PAM, Istiqlal, and RNI, signaling a dramatic shift from the previous election where the Justice and Development Party (PJD) had dominated.
The 2021 results reflect a departure from the stronghold established by the PJD in earlier elections. Specifically, in the 2016 elections, the PJD claimed victory with 25,871 votes, securing two seats through Younes Ben Seliman and Bashir Tuba, while PAM, despite being the runner-up, managed only one seat with Fatima Zahra Mansouri, who received over 14,713 votes. The PJD’s significant presence at that time was evident as it captured five out of nine seats allocated for the Marrakech region, but this dominance waned markedly by 2021, as they failed to secure any seats, with their candidate Muhammad Al-Arabi Belqaid receiving only 1,723 votes.
The Road to 2026: Emerging Candidates and Party Strategies
Looking ahead to the 2026 elections, the competitive landscape is beginning to crystallize with the announcement of candidacies. Fatima Zahra Mansouri is set to return to the constituency representing PAM, reinforcing the party's strategic positioning in the local electoral map after its success in the 2021 legislative elections. The RNI has nominated Said El Kourch to lead its campaign in a district distinct from his previous electoral experience, aiming to solidify the party's presence following its earlier success in 2021. Meanwhile, the Istiqlal Party will continue its engagement with Abdul Aziz Darwish, who previously won a seat in 2021, as they seek to maintain their foothold in one of the most vibrant electoral districts in the tourist capital.
The Socialist Union of Popular Forces is also entering the fray with its candidate, Lahcen Zalmate, a notable figure in the city's hospitality and tourism sector. The Popular Movement has chosen Abdel Sadiq Beitari, a professor and current president of the Moroccan Royal Gymnastics Federation. The PJD aims to make a comeback with its candidate, academic researcher Salah El Din Ayash, as the party attempts to regain its lost influence after its previous absence from the winning circle in the 2021 elections. Additionally, the Constitutional Union has nominated Kamal Majid, while the Progress and Socialism Party has put forth activist Ibrahim Hami. The list of candidates is indicative of a broader representation of political and professional diversity within the Marrakech electoral scene.
In summary, the evolving candidate roster for the Marrakech city-sidi Youssef Ben Ali district showcases a multi-faceted electoral competition. While the past results of 2016 and 2021 illustrate significant shifts in party influence, the upcoming elections will ultimately determine the final distribution of the three available seats, with the outcome resting solely in the hands of the electorate.
As reported by hespress.com.
