Anticipated Ministerial Candidacies Ahead of September Elections
The political landscape in Morocco is gearing up for the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for September, with a keen focus on the electoral map of the current government ministers. As parties begin to unveil their candidates, it is evident that some ministers are stepping forward to engage actively in the electoral race, while others have opted to retreat from the public eye. Notably, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch has decided not to participate in this electoral competition, which raises questions about the future direction of his leadership.
In stark contrast to the Prime Minister's absence, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has chosen to nominate six of its ministers in an effort to bolster its presence on the ground. Prominent among these candidates are Mohamed Mehdi Bennani from the Rabat Souissi district, Adib Benbrahim representing Rabat Agdal, and Fatima Zahra Mansouri who will contest in Marrakech City. Additionally, Hicham Sabri will run in Beni Mellal, while Azeddine Midaoui is set to represent the Rahamna district.
On the other hand, Justice Minister Abdellatif Ouahbi has announced that he will not be running in the Northern Taroudant constituency, thereby opening the field for notable competitors in the same region, including Lahcen Saadi from the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and Abdessamad Qiyuh from the Istiqlal Party.
The Istiqlal Party is also fielding several heavyweight candidates in historically significant electoral strongholds. Secretary General Nizar Baraka is set to run in the Larache district, while Riad Mazour will head the party's list in Ben Slimane. Furthermore, State Secretary Abdel Jabbar Al-Rachidi will compete in his hometown in the Tangier district, which is expected to witness a fierce battle with the entry of Younes Skouri, the Minister of Economic Inclusion, who will represent the PAM party in the same constituency. This move aims to clarify his participation amidst previous uncertainties and to surpass his prior experience on the national list.
The announced government nominations display a geographical aspect closely tied to the candidates' origins. For instance, Ahmed El Bouari, the Minister of Agriculture, is anticipated to run in his birthplace of Wazan, while Karim Zidane, the Minister Delegate for Investment, will lead the PAM list in Souk El Arbaa. Meanwhile, government spokesperson Mustafa Baitas is expected to contest in his native Klemim district, further indicating the strategic placement of candidates based on their local roots.
As reported by achkayen.com.
