The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing female representation in leadership positions as it gears up for the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026. Following the deliberations of its National Council, the party officially announced its endorsement of seven female leaders to head local electoral lists in strategically significant political districts. This initiative underscores PAM's strategic focus on direct competition by leveraging the expertise of women who possess substantial experience in local governance, legislative work, and organizational management.
According to detailed official information released by the party, which includes an updated list of candidates, the nominated women are Fatima Zahra Mansouri, Najwa Kokus, Manal Badil, Iman El-Maoui, Hanan El-Massi, Zainab Simo, and Bushra El-Wardi.
Spotlight on Leading Candidates
Fatima Zahra Mansouri stands out as the leading candidate for the party in the Marrakech City – Sidi Youssef Ben Ali district. Currently serving as the national coordinator for the collective leadership of PAM's General Secretariat, Mansouri also holds the position of Minister of National Planning, Urban Development, and Housing. She faces the challenge of maintaining her position in this historical electoral stronghold while balancing her governmental and national party commitments with the expectations of the residents of the red city, particularly regarding urban planning, urban development, and the rehabilitation of older neighborhoods.
Najwa Kokus is set to contest the Anfa district in Casablanca, Morocco’s economic capital. With her extensive administrative and political experience, Kokus currently serves as the President of PAM's National Council. Her main challenges lie in navigating the competitive political landscape of this complex urban and economic hub, as well as winning the trust of the middle class and youth while addressing critical issues related to land stress and enhancing collective services in this vibrant city.
Meanwhile, in the Berrechid region, the party has put forward the young leader Manal Badil to lead the local list. Badil represents a new generation of female candidates, actively participating in party structures and councils. She faces the unique challenges of a region characterized by both industrial and agricultural complexities, striving to propose solutions for youth employment and revitalizing industrial zones within her constituency.
In the southeastern area, Iman El-Maoui has been entrusted with representing PAM in the Ouarzazate district. El-Maoui’s candidacy is grounded in her active organizational and community work, along with her ongoing presence in the region. She confronts geographical challenges related to the vastness of the area, including local development issues, addressing isolation in mountainous and oasis regions, and supporting the local tourism and cinema sectors while responding to community needs in health and education.
Hanan El-Massi has been confirmed as the local candidate for the northern Taroudant district. With her active roles in regional and local councils, El-Massi is a well-known figure in local governance. She will need to engage with the rural and mountainous characteristics of her constituency, necessitating exceptional efforts to connect with voters and advocate for rural issues, agricultural development, and solutions to water scarcity.
Zainab Simo has been endorsed to lead the local list in Larache, Northern Morocco. Currently serving as a parliamentary deputy, Simo has built a solid legislative and field-based experience in the region. The primary challenges she faces involve balancing the demands of urban centers with those of rural areas, contending with strong competition from traditional political adversaries, and working to enhance social and economic investment in her district.
Lastly, Bushra El-Wardi has been nominated to represent PAM in the Tiflet – Rmin district within the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. With her background as a local elected official and an active member of regional party structures, El-Wardi faces the challenge of competing in a geographically extensive rural district that requires decentralized field programs focused on strengthening infrastructure, creating job opportunities for youth, and improving basic services for the rural population and local communities.
As reported by belpresse.com.
