Fouzi Lekjaa, who recently joined the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) on July 25, has quickly risen to prominence as a key figure in the ongoing election campaign in Morocco. Despite not being an official candidate himself, Lekjaa, who serves as the president of the Moroccan Football Federation and Minister Delegate for the Budget, has captivated audiences across the nation, urging potential voters to join the PAM and igniting a spirited response from the National Rally of Independents (RNI). His dynamic presence has led to rampant speculation regarding his potential ascent to a leadership role within the government. Colleagues within the African Football Confederation (CAF) have lauded him as a 'tireless leader' and a 'hard worker', underscoring his significant influence in both sports and politics.
On September 23, Moroccan citizens are set to elect 395 members of the House of Representatives, with an estimated 16.5 million voters poised to make their voices heard. The most intense competition is not merely between the ruling coalition and the opposition; rather, it is a fierce contest among the three parties that have governed collectively since 2021: the RNI, PAM, and Istiqlal. In a surprising turn of events prior to candidate nominations, Lekjaa announced his withdrawal from the race in his hometown of Berkane, where the party selected Mohamed Ibrahimi as their candidate. However, Lekjaa's withdrawal did not signify a retreat; instead, he has become the linchpin of the campaign, traversing the country to promote the PAM’s agenda, which he has significantly influenced. His ability to mobilize crowds, command attention, and deliver compelling speeches has proven invaluable. In cities such as Fès, Séfrou, and Berkane, enthusiastic supporters have greeted him with chants of 'Sir, Sir, Sir' and 'Come on, come on, come on', a slogan made famous by the national football team's recent successes. His relentless tour of the Eastern region continues to engage citizens and party activists alike, averaging four rallies a day. The party's proposed plan, quantified in Rabat on September 1, outlines an ambitious additional expenditure of approximately 350 billion dirhams over the 2027–2031 parliamentary term, translating to about 70 billion dirhams annually.
Media Dominance in the Election Landscape
In an impressive surge of visibility, Lekjaa has dominated media mentions, with his weekly share skyrocketing from 2.5 percent to 13.1 percent between August 17 and September 12. This remarkable increase propelled him from the tenth to the first place among the most frequently cited figures, surpassing even the head of government, Aziz Akhannouch. Notably, within PAM representatives, Lekjaa accounted for an astonishing 39.9 percent of mentions, a sharp rise from 13 percent in August, while his social media presence boasts a staggering 72.1 percent share. This surge can be attributed to the popularity he has cultivated through his association with football, which has translated seamlessly into the political arena.
Since the summer, speculation has swirled around Lekjaa's potential candidacy for the head of government. The PAM, which secured second place in the 2016 and 2021 elections, is now setting its sights on the top spot. Lekjaa has referred to this ambition as a 'logical evolution' for the party, which has never held the reins of power. When questioned about his personal aspirations, he has responded with a nonchalant dismissal, stating, 'I’ve never given it any thought.' Meanwhile, prominent figures within the party, such as Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri and Mehdi Bensaïd, have publicly denied any implications of rivalry regarding leadership aspirations.
Escalating Tensions with the RNI
The political landscape has grown increasingly contentious, particularly following an incident on August 25, when the RNI’s political bureau, led by Mohamed Chouki, accused the PAM of poaching its administrators and elected officials. This accusation marked a significant escalation in tensions between the two parties, with Marouane Chbaatou, the outgoing MP for Midelt and a member of the RNI's bureau, leaving the RNI to join the 'Tractor Party', a nickname for the PAM. This event symbolizes a definitive rift between the two parties, which had previously collaborated in government for five years. The unfolding dynamics between these political entities will undoubtedly shape the upcoming elections and the future of Moroccan governance.
As reported by en.ilsole24ore.com.
