Significant Changes in PJD Leadership
Recent reports from various Moroccan media outlets indicate that the leadership of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) has made a pivotal decision to revise its previous course by not nominating the current party leader, Abdelilah Benkirane, as the top candidate for the Salé electoral district. Instead, Kamal El Kouchi is slated to represent the party in the upcoming elections. As of now, there has been no official confirmation from the party's governing bodies, nor has an updated candidate list been posted on the PJD's website.
This reported decision marks a significant shift for the PJD, which has been engaged in intense discussions regarding its personnel lineup for the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 23, 2026. Just a few months prior, in March 2026, media coverage suggested that Benkirane was expected to play a central role in the Salé district elections.
The recent reports speculating on Benkirane's withdrawal cite two primary factors: the 72-year-old politician's age and economic considerations related to his status as a former head of government. There is speculation that a new election as a deputy could jeopardize his pension entitlements linked to his previous role as Prime Minister—an aspect that has influenced Benkirane's past political decisions.
Internal Party Dynamics and Future Implications
The announcement of his withdrawal follows reports of significant internal tensions within the party. On May 22, 2026, the news platform Le360, citing internal party sources, reported a lack of consensus regarding Benkirane's potential re-nomination.
Political observers find it unsurprising that the PJD has not proactively announced this retreat through its own communication channels. In Moroccan politics, parties typically disclose such personnel decisions only after completing internal voting processes or upon formally submitting candidate lists to the relevant authorities. Thus, the ongoing media coverage reflects the contentious and ongoing negotiation processes within the party.
It remains to be seen whether Benkirane's decision to step back from the Salé candidacy marks the end of his political career at the forefront or if he is merely recalibrating the party's strategy to pave the way for younger candidates like El Kouchi. Observers are now focused on the official submission of candidate lists to the Ministry of the Interior, which will serve as the definitive confirmation of the PJD's personnel decisions.
As reported by maghreb-post.de.
