Moroccan Prime Minister and leader of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) Aziz Akhannouch has called on his party's supporters to remain calm and confident ahead of the upcoming elections. Speaking at a rally in the city of Tangier on September 20, Akhannouch emphasized that the outcome of the elections cannot be determined in just 48 hours. He encouraged Moroccans to vote and not leave their seats empty, criticizing the promises made by opposing parties as unrealistic.
Akhannouch highlighted his government's achievements, particularly in the areas of social support and healthcare coverage, despite the challenges faced during his term. The RNI's program includes a gradual increase in the minimum wage to 5,000 dirhams per month, revision of direct social support, and the creation of one million jobs across various sectors. Akhannouch's speech aimed to boost the morale of his supporters and promote the party's platform.
Meanwhile, Nizar Baraka, Secretary-General of the Independence Party and head of the party's list in the Larache electoral district, has announced his party's commitment to enacting a law on conflict of interest. The goal is to ensure that opportunities are allocated fairly and to restore trust in public administration and policies. Baraka criticized the spread of corruption and conflict of interest, which he believes increases costs for citizens and undermines the country's development.
In a separate development, Morocco has signed a historic agreement with Brazil to supply 3.8 million tons of fertilizers. This move comes as the global supply chain faces challenges, and Morocco's phosphate products are in high demand. The agreement was reached between the Moroccan Office of Phosphate (OCP) and the Brazilian company Nutricrops.
A collective of civil society organizations has expressed concern over the decline in voter turnout, citing statistics from the Ministry of Interior. The groups are calling for measures to encourage citizens to participate in the electoral process. According to Kamal Lahbib, national coordinator of the collective, the decline in voter turnout is a worrying trend that needs to be addressed.
The fourth edition of the Religious Situation Report in Morocco, published by the Center for Studies and Research on the Maghreb, highlights the country's efforts to combat terrorism. The report covers the period from 2003 to 2023 and emphasizes Morocco's national, regional, and international initiatives to address this threat.
King Mohammed VI will chair a religious ceremony on September 21 to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the late King Hassan II's passing. The ceremony will take place at the Mausoleum of Mohammed V in Rabat.
Key points
- Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch urges calm and confidence ahead of elections
- Morocco signs historic agreement with Brazil to supply 3.8 million tons of fertilizers
- Civil society organizations express concern over decline in voter turnout
