Morocco is set to hold parliamentary elections, with several key battles for seats unfolding in major cities, including Rabat and Casablanca. The elections will determine the 395-member House of Representatives. In Rabat's peripheral constituency, former minister and leader of the Socialist Union for Popular Forces, Abdel Karim Benaatiq, is vying for one of four parliamentary seats. His party has historically been strong in the area.
Benaatiq's rival, former minister and leader of the Justice and Development Party, Mustafa Al-Khalfi, is also campaigning aggressively in the Rabat constituency. Al-Khalfi has been engaging with residents, listening to their concerns, and outlining his party's program. He has identified key challenges facing the constituency, including social and economic issues, unemployment, and supporting small businesses and crafts.
The concept of "circles of death" refers to highly competitive electoral districts where several prominent leaders from various parties compete for a limited number of seats. These districts often feature a mix of established politicians, including former ministers, current and former parliamentarians, and influential local figures. The term "circles of death" reflects the intense competition and high stakes involved.
Rabat's peripheral constituency is considered a symbolic and highly competitive district, with seats often changing hands in each election. In the 2016 elections, the Justice and Development Party secured two seats, while the Authenticity and Modernity Party won one seat, and a leftist coalition took the fourth seat. However, in the 2021 elections, the seats were redistributed among the National Rally of Independents, Authenticity and Modernity Party, Popular Movement, and Independence.
Casablanca's Aïn Shfaa constituency is another highly competitive district, featuring 20 local lists vying for four seats. The constituency encompasses the city's economic hub, including the financial center, major companies, and national institutions. Notable candidates in this district include former Socialist Union for Popular Forces general secretary, Nabila Mounib, and Hassan Berkane, a leader of the Independence Party.
Other key districts to watch include Taroudant, where several prominent leaders, including Minister and leader of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, Abdel Latif Wahbi, and Minister and leader of the National Rally of Independents, Lahcen Essad, are competing for three seats. The outcome of these elections will provide insight into the shifting landscape of Moroccan politics.
According to Ismail Hamoudi, a professor of political science at the University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah in Fez, the selection of candidates in these competitive districts depends on the local context and the party's strategy. The outcome of these elections will not only determine the allocation of parliamentary seats but also send important messages about the ability of parties to mobilize support and protect their bases.
Key points
- The elections will determine the 395-member House of Representatives.
- Several key battles for seats are unfolding in major cities, including Rabat and Casablanca.
- The outcome of these elections will provide insight into the shifting landscape of Moroccan politics.
