The Electoral Landscape of Marrakech-Menara: A New Race Begins

The Upcoming Elections in Marrakech-Menara

The spotlight is firmly on the Marrakech-Menara constituency as it gears up for yet another electoral race, with the results of the 2021 elections serving as a primary reference point for the impending competition. In the last election, three political parties successfully captured the three parliamentary seats allocated for this district: the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), the National Rally of Independents (RNI), and the Istiqlal Party. These parties are returning to the contest under the same candidates, striving to maintain their positions in the upcoming electoral challenge.

Shifting Dynamics and New Contenders

While the triumphant trio from the previous elections has opted to face the challenge once more with their established candidates, several other parties have entered the fray, presenting new names in hopes of making inroads within the constituency and seizing one of the parliamentary seats. This electoral landscape promises an open competition with multiple possibilities, especially considering the significant shifts observed in Marrakech-Menara during prior elections.

The PAM has re-nominated Tarek Hanich, while the RNI has retained Abdelwahid Chafki. The Istiqlal Party has once again put forward Abdelrazak Ahlouch. These candidates were the frontrunners in the 2021 elections, with Hanich securing 21,021 votes, followed by Chafki with 17,773 votes, and Ahlouch with 15,555 votes.

In contrast, a variety of parties are aiming to alter the competitive dynamics within the district by either introducing new candidates or maintaining familiar faces. The Popular Movement has nominated Ibrahim Al-Maaiti, while the Socialist Union of Popular Forces has put forth Tawfiq Samoud. Additionally, the Justice and Development Party has selected Mohamed Toufla, and the Progress and Socialism Party has endorsed Abdel Nabi Shadid. The Constitutional Union has proposed Abdel Rahim Laamim, while the Candle Party has chosen Bashir Jouhar as their candidate.

The significance of the current electoral race extends beyond the results of the previous round. The outcomes of the 2016 elections revealed a notable shift in the balance of power within Marrakech-Menara. In that contest, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) managed to secure two seats through Mohamed Al-Arabi Belkaid and Mohamed Toufla, who garnered a total of 37,554 votes, while Omar Khafif of PAM claimed the third seat with 12,181 votes.

In the 2021 elections, a clear transformation in the electoral map was evident, as the PAM ascended to the forefront, while the RNI and Istiqlal maintained their two additional positions. Meanwhile, the PJD experienced a decline, finishing in fourth place. At that time, Mohamed Toufla received only 7,137 votes, falling short by 8,418 votes from the candidate in third place, highlighting the significant advancement achieved by the leading trio.

As reported by i3lamtv.com.