Challenges in the Socialist Union Ahead of Upcoming Elections
The political landscape in Morocco is currently fraught with significant challenges for the Socialist Union Party (USFP) as it approaches the upcoming elections. The party's leadership is grappling with a severe nomination crisis, particularly in major cities and vital electoral districts, creating an unprecedented dilemma for the future of the party. As the political climate intensifies, the USFP is struggling to secure strong candidates for key positions, which could jeopardize their electoral success.
In the economic capital, data indicates that the chances of winning seats in the major districts of the Casablanca-Settat region have diminished significantly. The party's presence appears weak in the suburbs of Casablanca, including Mohammedia, Ben Slimane, Mediouna, and Naciri, highlighting a notable decline in its influence in these strategic areas. While districts in El Jadida and Settat may offer some glimmers of hope, the recent defection of prominent members to rival parties, such as the Istiqlal Party, increases the likelihood of losing essential seats.
Additionally, in Rabat, some nominations remain pending, although the party has confirmed Lahcen Lachkar as its candidate for the Rabat Shalla district, where no real competition exists. In the northern regions, the local secretary in Tangier, Mohamed Ghadan, has expressed his disinterest in running, prompting the party to seek the reinstatement of Taaher Abdelkader, who faces challenges due to the rise of strong candidates like Salwa Dmanati. The absence of any USFP candidate in Mdiq-Fnideq following Abdel Nour's refusal further diminishes their chances as other parties strengthen their presence in Wazan.
In the southern regions, including the three southern provinces, there are currently no candidates, with former parliamentarian Mahmoud Abba from Assa-Zag withdrawing from the race. The lack of nominations extends to Marrakech-Safi, where no competitive names have emerged for Marrakech, Al Haouz, and Chichaoua. The USFP is actively working to attract candidates from other parties to fill this gap, similar to their previous recruitment of a candidate from the "Bouhda Al-Arousi" faction.
In other regions such as Qalaat Sraghna, Rahamna, and Youssoufia, the party has yet to identify qualified candidates, and the federal presence in Beni Mellal and Khénifra will likely be nominal, with limited opportunities in Khouribga and Fkih Ben Salah. Idriss Lachkar, the party's first secretary, has indicated that Souss-Massa presents a significant challenge, particularly without nominations in Agadir, Shouka Ait Baha, Tiznit, Taroudant, Tata, and Inzkan. In Fez-Meknes, the USFP is only running in Sefrou, while other districts like Meknes, Taza, Hajeb, and southern Fez remain devoid of competitive candidates.
This ongoing crisis starkly illustrates the internal challenges facing the Socialist Union Party and places its leadership in a precarious position as they strive to reorganize and ensure a robust representation in the upcoming elections, particularly in strategic cities and major provinces where their presence has notably waned.
As reported by belpresse.com.
