The National Rally of Independents (RNI) in Morocco has faced significant losses in Agadir, with the party's strongholds dwindling in the recent elections. The decline has sparked debate within the party and beyond about the reasons behind the loss of support. According to recent election results, the party's candidate, Zine El Abidine Idhali, secured only 11,258 votes, a significant drop from the 50,889 votes secured by Karim Achnakli in the 2021 elections.
A comparison of the 2021 and 2026 election results reveals a substantial decline in support for the RNI in Agadir. In the 2021 elections, the party won a significant majority, but this time around, they were relegated to second place. The decline in support has been attributed to internal disputes within the party, which have led to some councilors and local leaders distancing themselves from the party.
In some districts, the party's decline was more pronounced. In the Ouirar district, which was previously a stronghold of the party, the RNI secured only 537 votes, ranking sixth. In contrast, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured 1,198 votes, followed by the Justice and Development Party (PJD) with 972 votes. The decline in support has raised concerns within the party about its prospects in future elections.
The internal disputes within the RNI have been cited as a major factor contributing to the party's decline. In some districts, councilors and local leaders have broken away from the party, citing disagreements with the party leadership. In the Ouirar district, the party's councilors were stripped of their membership in the district council after they refused to support the party's candidate for mayor.
The decline in support for the RNI has also been attributed to the party's inability to resolve internal conflicts. In the TagaZout district, nine party councilors, including three deputy mayors, boycotted a council meeting, preventing the meeting from achieving a quorum. The internal disputes have weakened the party's position in the region, raising concerns about its ability to perform in future elections.
Despite some gains in certain districts, such as the Tamri district, where the party secured 2,431 votes, the overall decline in support has raised concerns within the party. The party's leadership has acknowledged the need to address internal disputes and rebuild support in the region. The party's performance in future elections will depend on its ability to resolve internal conflicts and reconnect with its traditional supporters.
The losses suffered by the RNI in Agadir have significant implications for the party's prospects in future elections. The party's decline has created opportunities for other parties to gain ground in the region. The RNI's leadership will need to take steps to address internal disputes and rebuild support in the region if the party is to remain a dominant force in Moroccan politics.
Key points
- Internal disputes within Morocco's ruling party, the National Rally of Independents (RNI), have contributed to a significant decline in support in Agadir.
