Istiqlal Party Secretary-General Nizar Baraka has called for a shift in focus towards addressing citizens' expectations following Morocco's legislative elections on September 23. In a press conference held after the announcement of preliminary election results, Baraka emphasized the need for political actors to move beyond electoral competition and prioritize the concerns of Moroccan citizens. This change in focus is crucial as the country moves forward, according to Baraka. The elections have brought about significant changes in the political landscape, and it is essential to address the needs of the citizens.
The preliminary election results show that the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured the most seats with 97, followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 66 seats, and Istiqlal with 65 seats. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) came in fourth with 54 seats. These results cover Morocco's 395-seat House of Representatives. The national turnout rate for the election was 38.02%, as reported by the Interior Ministry. The results signify a change in the balance of power within the Moroccan parliament.
Istiqlal's 65 seats place the party among the three largest parliamentary forces in the new legislature. In comparison, the party had won 81 seats in the 2021 legislative elections. The RNI came first in the 2021 elections with 102 seats, followed by PAM with 87 seats. Despite the change in the number of seats, Baraka expressed his appreciation for the confidence voters placed in the Istiqlal Party. He also thanked the party's members and candidates for their efforts during the electoral process.
Baraka emphasized that the Istiqlal Party will continue to work in the interest of Morocco and its citizens, regardless of its position in the political landscape. He stated that the next phase will require work and mobilization to address the country's major challenges. According to Baraka, these challenges require broad mobilization involving different forces active in Moroccan society. This approach is essential for the country's progress and development.
The Istiqlal leader welcomed the party's continued presence among the leading political parties and congratulated other parties on their results. As political parties begin to move from the electoral campaign to the next stage of the political process, attention is now turning to the formation of the new government. The focus is on creating a government that addresses the needs and expectations of Moroccan citizens.
The election results and the subsequent statements from political leaders have set the stage for the next phase of Morocco's political process. The formation of the new government will be a critical aspect of this process. The government's priorities will likely be shaped by the concerns and expectations of Moroccan citizens, as highlighted by Baraka. The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining the course of Morocco's future.
As Morocco moves forward, the focus will be on addressing the country's major challenges. The government's ability to address these challenges will depend on its ability to work with different forces active in Moroccan society. The Istiqlal Party's commitment to working in the interest of Morocco and its citizens is a positive step towards this goal. The country's progress and development will depend on the government's ability to prioritize the needs of its citizens.
Key points
- Istiqlal Party Secretary-General Nizar Baraka has called for a shift in focus towards addressing citizens' expectations following Morocco's legislative elections.
- The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured the most seats with 97, followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 66 seats, and Istiqlal with 65 seats.
- The Istiqlal Party will continue to work in the interest of Morocco and its citizens, regardless of its position in the political landscape.