Tanger's Mayor Under Investigation for Alleged Electoral Irregularities
The mayor of Tanger, Mounir Laymouri, a prominent figure in the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), has reportedly fled to Spain as he becomes the subject of an ongoing investigation into alleged electoral fraud in Morocco. Authorities have stated that Laymouri left the country on Thursday night, just days after a concerning incident at a polling station during the recent legislative elections.
According to Moroccan judicial sources, a national wanted order was issued for Laymouri following the discovery of irregularities connected to electoral documents at the Al Qods school, located in the Casabarata neighborhood. This came to light after a video surfaced showing a transparent ballot box filled with suspicious envelopes, alongside reports of an individual carrying a bag containing ballots within the polling center.
Investigators have indicated that one of the individuals detained in connection with the fraud case mentioned Laymouri during their testimony. Given his role as the head of the electoral campaign for PAM, which emerged victorious in the legislative elections held on September 23, the situation has become increasingly precarious for the mayor. Judicial police attempted to confront him at his residence, but he was reportedly unreachable by phone and not present at home.
As per statements made to the media, Laymouri claimed he was in Spain for personal matters, specifically to spend time with his family prior to the elections. He assured that he would return to Morocco the following week. However, subsequent investigations by security forces revealed that he had indeed departed the country, prompting continued efforts to locate him amidst the unfolding legal proceedings.
The judicial investigation remains active, with other suspects currently in police custody as authorities work diligently to uncover the full extent of the electoral misconduct. The Tanger court has announced that appropriate legal measures will be taken once the investigation is concluded.
The recent elections were notably marred by a record abstention rate of 61.9%, the highest in two decades, which has raised further questions about the legitimacy of the electoral process. The PAM, which was part of the outgoing government coalition, has declared itself the winner, surpassing its coalition partners, the National Rally of Independents (RNI), which has now shifted to the role of the opposition.
As reported by eldebate.com.
