Intense Political Rivalry in Southern Fes
The upcoming legislative elections in Southern Fes, scheduled for September 23, 2026, have captured significant attention due to the intense competition among various political parties vying for one of the four parliamentary seats allocated to this local constituency. The political landscape in this region has become increasingly dynamic as parties strategize to secure their positions in the upcoming elections.
Shifting Political Dynamics
In the previous legislative elections held in September 2021, the National Rally of Independents (RNI) emerged victorious in Southern Fes, with its candidate, Rashid Fayek, receiving 16,449 votes. The Istiqlal Party followed in second place with candidate Allal Amraoui garnering 7,842 votes, while the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) claimed third place with its candidate Aziz El-Lebar receiving around 7,550 votes. The fourth and final seat was secured by the Socialist Union's candidate, Abdelkader Bouhsini, with 5,699 votes. Subsequent partial elections saw the RNI capture the seat previously held by Bouhsini through candidate Khalid Al-Ajli, while Muhammad Qandil replaced Fayek in the party following a court ruling.
Looking back to October 2016, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) previously dominated the constituency, winning two seats through candidates Idris Azmi and Muhammad Al-Harithi, amassing a total of 40,928 votes. The RNI, at that time, ranked second, with Fayek obtaining 8,607 votes, and Allal Amraoui receiving 8,244 votes, thus securing one seat.
Comparing the election results from 2016 and 2021 highlights a significant shift in political power, with the PJD's dominance giving way to the RNI's ascendance. The Istiqlal Party has strengthened its presence, while the PJD has seen a complete decline in its influence.
As the countdown to the September 23 elections continues, the political atmosphere in Southern Fes is charged with anticipation. The race is heating up among the ruling parties aiming to retain their seats and other political entities seeking to redefine the balance of power within the constituency by earning the trust of Fes voters.
The upcoming elections will feature a fierce contest among candidates: Zina Shahim from the RNI, Aziz El-Lebar from PAM, and Allal Amraoui from Istiqlal. Khalid Al-Ajli will compete this time under the banner of the Popular Movement, while the Socialist Union has endorsed Rashid Belbouk. The PJD has also nominated Mohamed Khayi, and the Progress and Socialism Party has put forward Ali Laqsab for this electoral challenge. Additionally, the Constitutional Union has backed Youssef El-Hadi, while the Democratic Left Federation coalition has nominated Abdelhadi Al-Hilali alongside Abdelrahim Al-Sidrat, who will represent the Democratic Social Movement Party.
In this context, the competition for the four available seats in Southern Fes remains wide open, with numerous political forces and diverse candidates shaping the electoral landscape. The RNI, Istiqlal, and PAM are determined to solidify their presence and maintain their positions, while other political factions aspire to overturn the electoral equation, resulting in an election race filled with numerous potential scenarios.
As reported by hespress.com.
