Significant Political Shift Ahead of 2026 Elections
In a noteworthy political maneuver ahead of the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026, former minister and prominent leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), Mohamed Abou, has officially joined the ranks of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM). This transition marks a significant turn in his political career, which has spanned several decades, particularly within the Taounate region. The announcement was made during a gathering at his residence in Fez on September 2, where Budget Minister Fouzi Lekjaa, a member of PAM's political bureau, and several party leaders were present. This strategic move underscores PAM’s commitment to attracting influential political figures in preparation for the upcoming elections.
Mohamed Abou’s Political Journey and Influence
Mohamed Abou is widely recognized as one of the most prominent political figures associated with the Taounate region. His political career began when he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives representing the region in 1997. He served as the head of the parliamentary group of the RNI from 2002 to 2007, during which he held several significant party and parliamentary positions. On the governmental front, Abou was appointed as the Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister for the modernization of public sectors in 2007 under Abbas El Fassi's government, and later in 2013, he took on the role of Minister Delegate to the Minister of Industry, Trade, Investment, and Digital Economy for foreign trade within Abdelilah Benkirane's administration.
In addition to his governmental roles, Abou has also been active in local governance, having served as the president of the Beni Walid municipality in Taounate for several years. His academic career as a university professor at the Faculty of Science and Technology in Fez further solidifies his influence and expertise.
The transition from the "Hummingbird" party to the "Tractor" party (PAM) comes after a prolonged political association with the RNI, particularly following a period of relative political withdrawal since the 2021 elections. Abou’s relationship with the RNI has seen various transformations, notably when he did not receive the party's endorsement to lead its list in the Taounate-Tissa constituency during the 2021 elections, amidst a reshuffle of candidates and structures within the party in the region.
His entry into PAM is especially significant given his prior political and electoral stature in Taounate, especially following the recent joining of parliamentarians Nourddine Qchebel and Bouchaib Boussouf to the party last August. This influx strengthens PAM’s presence in the electoral districts of the region.
Political observers believe that Abou’s affiliation with PAM will introduce a fresh element into the competitive electoral equation in Taounate, considering his extensive experience and the political and local networks he has cultivated over years of parliamentary, governmental, and communal service. However, the actual impact of this political shift will ultimately depend on the results emerging from the ballot boxes and PAM's ability to translate these political alignments into electoral success in the forthcoming legislative elections.
Thus, Mohamed Abou has opened a new chapter in his political journey, this time through the gateway of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, at a time when the political landscape in Taounate is clearly undergoing a reshaping of alliances and positioning in preparation for the September 23 elections.
As reported by taounate.net.
