On Friday evening, the "National Rally of Independents," which is currently at the forefront of the Moroccan government coalition, made a significant announcement regarding its strategy for the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for September 23. This announcement included the nomination of its new president, Mohamed Chouki, along with four of its key ministers, and the President of the House of Representatives, Rashid Talbi Alami, indicating a strategic move that is expected to shape the political landscape of the country. Notably absent from this crucial nomination list was the current Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, raising eyebrows and prompting discussions regarding the implications of his absence.
The nominations reflect a calculated approach by the "National Rally of Independents" to solidify its position in Moroccan politics, particularly after its previous success in the 2021 elections where it defeated the Islamist Justice and Development Party. Among the nominated individuals are Karim Zidane, the Minister Delegate for Investment, Coordination, and Evaluation of Public Policies, who will contest in the Youssoufia district of the Marrakech-Safi region; Ahmed Bouwari, the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Rural Development, Water, and Forests, nominated for the Wazzan district in the Tangier-Hoceima region; Lahsen Saidi, the Secretary of State responsible for Traditional Industry and Social Solidarity Economy, nominated in the northern Taroudant district; and Mustafa Baïtas, the Minister in charge of Relations with Parliament and the Government Spokesperson, who will compete in the Sidi Ifni district of the Guelmim-Oued Noun region. This strategic nomination of prominent party leaders and ministers signifies a clear intention to leverage their governmental experience and political influence in the run-up to the elections.
Moreover, the endorsement of Rashid Talbi Alami for the Tetouan district and former minister Mohamed Sadiqi for the Borkane district further emphasizes the party's commitment to maintaining a stronghold in the legislative assembly. The upcoming elections represent not only a critical opportunity for the "National Rally of Independents" to reaffirm its governance but also a test of public sentiment amid rising economic and social challenges, as well as increasing voter dissatisfaction with government policies. Political analysts, such as Abdel Hafid El Younsi from Hassan I University, view these nominations as a politically necessary step, given the party's leadership role in the current government. El Younsi noted that the elections will serve as a form of accountability to the electorate, potentially leading to punitive voting outcomes for the party, depending on public perceptions of its performance.
As reported by sadanews.ps.
