In a historic turn of events, Zineb Saimo, also known as Zara, has made a name for herself in Moroccan politics by becoming the first woman to secure the top spot in the Larache region's parliamentary elections. Her impressive win saw her garner significantly more votes than Nizar Baraka, the general secretary of the Istiqlal party, who secured 14,000 votes, while Saimo obtained over 500 more votes than Baraka. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Moroccan politics.
Saimo's journey to this point has not been without controversy. Just a few weeks ago, she made headlines when she announced her decision to leave the Rassemblement National des Libéraux (RNL) party and join the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM). This move was reportedly encouraged by her father, Mohamed Saimo, a well-known and influential figure in Moroccan politics. Her decision has sparked debate and discussion among the public and in political circles.
Adding to her impressive credentials, Saimo recently obtained her PhD in Management Sciences from the Ibn Tufayl University in Kénitra. Her thesis, titled "Audit interne et gouvernance publique : Cas des collectivités territoriales marocaines" (Internal Audit and Public Governance: The Case of Moroccan Territorial Collectivities), was successfully defended on September 12, 2026. This achievement showcases her academic prowess and expertise in her field.
However, Saimo's academic achievement has not been without controversy. Her PhD was awarded during the month of September, which is considered a period of "academic silence" in Morocco, during which the defense of theses is not usually permitted. As a result, it is expected that her PhD would be revoked, at least temporarily, and that she would be required to re-defend her thesis in October. Nevertheless, Saimo has continued to use her title, which has become an integral part of her public persona.
Saimo's father, Mohamed, has been a significant influence on her life and career. Despite having only a basic education, he has prioritized his children's education and has encouraged them to pursue academic excellence. His determination to see his children succeed has driven Saimo to achieve great things, both academically and in her political career.
As Saimo prepares to take her seat in parliament, she will be joining the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which is currently the ruling party in Morocco. This will mark her second stint as a member of a ruling party, having previously been a member of the RNL party. Her future in politics is uncertain, but one thing is clear: she has already made a significant impact on the Moroccan political landscape.
Looking ahead, Saimo's future in politics will be closely watched. With her impressive academic credentials and her historic win in the Larache region, she is sure to be a prominent figure in Moroccan politics for years to come. Her ability to navigate the complexities of Moroccan politics and her determination to succeed will undoubtedly be key factors in her future success.
Key points
- Zineb Saimo becomes the first woman to top election polls in Larache region
- Saimo's PhD award sparks controversy due to being awarded during "academic silence" period
- Saimo's father, Mohamed, has been a significant influence on her life and career
