Investigation Launched Amidst Election Controversy
The Moroccan authorities are currently investigating alleged irregularities that occurred in Tangier during the electoral process held on September 23. Official sources have informed EFE that the identity of those under investigation remains undisclosed. The Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an inquiry to interview individuals connected to complaints regarding the voting anomalies reported during the election day.
Local media have indicated that several arrests have taken place, and there are reports of a warrant issued for the arrest of Tangier's mayor, Mounir Laymouri. However, sources consulted by EFE could not confirm this information. According to the daily Rue20, the mayor had traveled to Spain for a family visit just before the elections.
In a statement to the digital platform Safir.com, Mayor Laymouri noted, "I am currently outside Morocco to attend to personal matters and to spend the weekend with my family," adding that he plans to return to the country next week. During the electoral day, a person was found inside a polling station carrying a bag filled with ballots, and a video surfaced showing a transparent ballot box containing several white envelopes.
Election Results and Next Steps
The elections were predominantly conducted smoothly, aside from isolated incidents such as those reported in Tangier. The liberal Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) emerged victorious, securing 97 seats, despite experiencing a record abstention rate of 62%, the highest in two decades. Following these results, King Mohammed VI is expected to summon a member of PAM, the leading party, to charge them with forming the new government. However, there is no legal deadline for this appointment.
As reported by lavanguardia.com.
