Intense Political Rivalry in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra
As the date for the legislative elections approaches, the focus is increasingly directed towards the women’s regional list in the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra area, which is set to become a battleground for fierce competition among various political parties. This electoral dynamic indicates that the contest will not merely be a straightforward race for the top position; rather, it will center on the crucial task of securing a seat within the exclusive circle of elected representatives. With a total of ten seats available, each party must accumulate a sufficient number of votes to position itself among the leaders, a prerequisite for clinching a mandate, as reported by _Al Akhbar_ on Thursday, September 3rd.
An analysis of the results from the previous legislative elections in 2021 provides insights into the potential tensions that could characterize this upcoming vote: out of nine parties competing at that time, eight succeeded in securing a seat, while the National Rally of Independents (RNI) was awarded two positions. This relative balance reflects the narrow margins that defined the competition, indicating that even a slight shift in the distribution of votes could significantly alter the final electoral landscape.
Key Candidates and Party Strategies
In preparation for the forthcoming elections, the RNI has launched its campaign under the leadership of Aâtimad Zahidi, whose political and organizational roadmap has expanded since her departure from the Justice and Development Party (PJD) and subsequent alignment with the Independent Party, culminating in her unanimous election as the president of the Skhirat-Témara Prefectural Council. Meanwhile, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) is banking on Leila Balgha, who previously captured a seat in 2021 with the help of Latifa Lablih. The Istiqlal Party, which also secured a mandate under Khadija Zoumi, is now presenting Rahma Taïebi Ouazzani as its candidate.
The PJD is entering the fray with Hind Elbiki, following the success of Rabia Bouji in 2021. This participation comes at a markedly different time compared to the last election, as the Islamic party has experienced a significant decline and now faces the challenge of rebuilding its electoral presence and reconnecting with some of its past vigor. The People's Progressive Party (PPS) has nominated Soumia Mounsif Hajji, a member of its political bureau and president of the commission for equality and women's rights, who succeeds Nadia Touhami, the previous representative who won a seat in the last election. The Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) is placing its bets on Khadija Kiniane, also a member of the political bureau and the Democratic Labor Federation (FDT), after securing a seat in 2021 through Aïcha Kourji. The Democratic and Social Movement (MDS) is represented by Fatiha Lahjouji, a member of the political bureau and chairwoman of the party's women's commission, while Khadija Al Bacha had previously won the seat in 2021.
Furthermore, the Left Alliance, led by Souad Frikich, aims to achieve an electoral breakthrough in this constituency by leveraging a unification of leftist voices within a single list, as noted by _Al Akhbar_. The Constitutional Union (UC) is participating with Fatima Zahra Belmahi, following their success in 2021 with Jihane Tatou. All these candidates face a daunting electoral challenge: securing a seat in this constituency hinges not only on the inherent strength of their respective parties but also on their ability to garner a sufficient number of votes to rank among the top ten positions.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
