A Shift in Political Terrain
In the realm of politics, a fundamental principle often holds true: a confident official seeks re-election from the voters who have experienced their tenure firsthand, as they are the most qualified to assess both accomplishments and failures. However, when a politician, who has been closely associated with a particular city for an extended period, abruptly shifts to a different electoral district in which they have no prior experience, it ignites discussion and raises more questions than answers. This scenario perfectly encapsulates the recent announcement by the Justice and Development Party (PJD), endorsing prominent leader and former Minister of Budget Idriss Azmi as a candidate for the upcoming legislative elections in the district of Skhirat-Témara. This decision follows a political career deeply rooted in the city of Fez, where Azmi served as the president of its municipal council, consistently presenting himself as a figure with a positive track record in managing its affairs.
Evaluating Political Choices
If Azmi's record is indeed as commendable as he claims, then why did he not choose to return to Fez? Why not request the trust of the Fez electorate, who have closely monitored his political journey? It seems logical that the first to evaluate the performance of any official should be the citizen who has lived through their daily governance. Or has presenting a political record become more burdensome than pursuing a new electoral district? These questions have not only been raised by political opponents but are also a natural consequence of Azmi's decision itself, as transitioning from one city to another during a critical election phase requires careful political analysis, particularly for a leader who has long considered Fez his political stronghold.
This discourse gains even more legitimacy when considering the results of the September 8, 2021 elections, which marked one of the most challenging junctures in Azmi's and his party's political trajectory. In that election, Azmi lost his parliamentary seat in the southern district of Fez, finishing fifth in a contest that only allocated four seats. Moreover, the PJD suffered an unprecedented electoral blow in Fez, losing all parliamentary seats it once held. Consequently, it is difficult for observers to overlook a seemingly straightforward question: if Azmi's experience was successful, why did he not choose to return to the very city to win back the voters' trust? Why opt for a fresh start in a different district rather than attempt to regain the confidence of those who had previously supported him?
Adding fuel to the debate was Azmi's justification for choosing the Skhirat-Témara district, stating that he has resided there for approximately twenty years. However, this rationale, rather than closing the discussion, opened more embarrassing inquiries. If residency is the primary criterion for candidacy, why has Azmi spent two decades running for office in Fez? Why did he only recall Témara after the 2021 elections? If he considers himself a son of this district due to residency, why has he not participated in any previous electoral contests there? Furthermore, why was this criterion absent when he solicited votes from the residents of Fez in past elections? Many observers argue that these questions pertain not only to geography but also to the logic of political choice and its timing.
Politics cannot solely be interpreted through statements; it is also shaped by public reaction. This paradox quickly became a focal point of discussion within local circles in Skhirat-Témara, gaining significant traction across social media platforms, where many expressed that discussing residency after years of campaigning in Fez raises more questions than it offers explanations. Amidst sarcastic comments and political debates, one question echoed persistently: if Fez has been the backdrop of Azmi's political journey, why has Témara now become his electoral destination? Many believe the true answers to these questions will not be found in statements or press releases but in the voting booths during the upcoming September elections.
However, the controversy surrounding Azmi's transition from Fez to Témara extends beyond his geographical shift; it also encompasses the manner in which he secured the party's endorsement. According to circulating information, the local PJD committee in Skhirat-Témara did not place Azmi at the top of their candidate list, ranking him third instead. This implies that local party members had other names they felt were more deserving of representation in this district. Nevertheless, the national secretariat ultimately decided in favor of Azmi, prompting another uncomfortable question: if local structures are more attuned to the pulse of the region and better understand its competencies, why was their opinion disregarded? What is the political value of internal deliberation if the final decision can diverge from the conclusions reached by local party institutions? Additionally, what becomes of the frameworks and activists who have worked tirelessly in the district and were anticipating an opportunity to represent their party?
It is impossible to discuss Azmi's political journey without considering his previous governmental responsibilities, particularly when he served as the Minister Delegate for Budget, becoming one of the most vocal advocates for reforming the compensation fund and liberalizing fuel prices. While the party defended this decision as a necessary economic reform, his opponents continue to view it as one of the most contentious issues affecting the PJD's reputation among segments of the public, given the subsequent controversies surrounding fuel prices and the purchasing power of Moroccans—a topic that resurfaces as elections approach.
Today, it appears that Idriss Azmi enters the September legislative elections surrounded by a myriad of questions stemming more from his political choices than from his opponents. Why did he not return to Fez if he is convinced of his record? Why is the residency criterion deemed valid today but not in the past? Why was he not the first choice of his party members in the district where he is running? How will he convince the voters of Skhirat-Témara that his choice of candidacy reflects a deeply held political conviction rather than merely a strategic electoral move in light of the 2021 results? Answers may vary, and interpretations may differ, but it is certain that these questions will accompany Azmi throughout his election campaign. Ultimately, politics is measured not only by what politicians say about themselves but also by the coherence of their messages with their choices and the signals sent by their actions before their words.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
