Intensifying Political Landscape in Morocco
The political arena in Morocco is witnessing an increase in activity as the election season approaches, leading to what is being referred to as the "party transfer market" heating up. This recent surge in political candidate movements has resulted in intense competition, particularly among the major political parties. Analysts have noted that the current dynamics of this year’s political transfers are quite unusual. For instance, during August alone, notable transfers included the shift of political figures Osman Badl and Manal Badl from the National Rally of Independents to the Authenticity and Modernity Party. Osman is set to contest elections in the Settat district, while Manal will represent the Berrechid district under the banner of "Pam." Their transfers come amidst disputes between the two parties, wherein the National Rally accused the Authenticity and Modernity Party of luring away several of its candidates.
In Fes, Reem Chabat has emerged as a candidate for the Popular Movement Party in the northern district of Fes, after her previous association with the Independence Party. Additionally, the Popular Movement has introduced Khalid Al-Ajli as their candidate for the southern Fes district, also transitioning from the National Rally of Independents. Al-Ajli’s move is yet another example of the ongoing shifts as parties prepare for the upcoming elections, with both candidates being presented at a party meeting on August 19.
The Role of Political Figures and Their Impact
Furthermore, Abdul Rahim Bouida announced his departure from the Independence Party in August after failing to secure endorsement for the upcoming elections in the Guelmim district, with rumors surfacing about his potential return to the Party of Progress and Socialism, which he had previously belonged to. Political analyst Sharifa Lamuire remarked that the phenomenon of political migration is deeply ingrained in Morocco's political landscape, despite various efforts aimed at curbing it. She emphasized that political parties have increasingly relied on "notables" during elections, consequently diminishing their intellectual and ideological roles.
Lamuire further elaborated that this over-reliance has turned political parties into mere electoral organizations lacking genuine political ideas and references. The escalating phenomenon of political migrations reflects the significant stakes involved as these political entities vie for the maximum number of votes and parliamentary seats. This electoral contest is closely linked to the race for participation in what is dubbed the "World Cup Government," although these significant stakes often serve merely as a vehicle for parties to achieve individual ambitions, especially as Morocco prepares for numerous critical regional and continental projects.
She pointed out that political migration tends to stabilize after the results are announced, as political alliances are not managed on an emotional basis, and thus the impact of these movements is confined to the lead-up to the elections. The political parties continue to assert their influence during the coalition-building phase that follows. Lamuire concluded by stating that rapid changes in the national landscape have resulted in a covert yet fierce struggle among political parties even before the official campaign launch, underscoring the conflicts of interest that drive these movements.
Fellow analyst Mohamed Chaqir noted that with every approaching electoral event in Morocco, the phenomenon of political migration becomes increasingly pronounced compared to past occasions. He remarked that this new wave of transfers occurs amidst unprecedented competition among various organizations, particularly majority parties that leverage their political weight to reinforce their positions. Each party aims to achieve the primary objective of securing leading results to form what has become known as the "World Cup Government." This political wager has intensified competition and fueled widespread party transfers among different factions, reflecting a profound transformation within parties, which now resemble seasonal electoral machines that have forsaken their original roles in the community for a singular focus on electoral gains.
According to Chaqir, "notables" represent the majority among these political migrants, with their primary concern being to secure a parliamentary seat. Consequently, they gravitate towards parties that can provide them with the necessary endorsements to fulfill this personal objective. He concluded that the reasons behind this intensified migration, unlike previous electoral cycles, largely stem from discontent over the distribution of party endorsements. Candidates who are excluded and do not receive their party's endorsement find themselves compelled to switch to other parties seeking ready candidates.
As reported by hespress.com.
