The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has suspended Mounir Laymouri, the mayor of Tangier, from all party structures following a ballot fraud investigation. The decision was made by the party's National Arbitration and Ethics Commission, citing acts attributed to Laymouri during the September 23 vote in the Tangier-Assilah electoral district. This move is part of a disciplinary step independent of the ongoing criminal procedure. Laymouri serves as the party's regional secretary for Tangier-Assilah prefecture and president of the Tangier communal council.
The suspension is linked to a case where a bag containing electoral documents was found near a polling station on election day. The incident sparked an investigation, and a video of a man's arrest with the bag circulated online, fueling controversy over the vote. The King’s prosecutor at the Tangier court of first instance opened an investigation, which led to five suspects, including two polling station presidents and their deputies. The probe revealed a suspected scheme involving the manipulation of ballots.
Laymouri was arrested on Monday, September 26, upon his return from Spain, and was taken into custody. He was later transferred to preventive detention along with his accountant. According to preliminary findings, the accountant marked the PAM symbol on ballots at Laymouri's request. The pair allegedly worked with two other men to mark the ballots together. Investigators recovered hotel surveillance footage that placed Laymouri at the scene with his accountant and others.
The PAM had previously dismissed the Tangier allegations as a "malicious and fabricated campaign" and a "political plot" aimed at damaging its image. However, the party's National Arbitration and Ethics Commission emphasized its respect for judicial independence and the presumption of innocence. The commission noted that its disciplinary authority is separate from criminal liability, which can only be established by a final court ruling.
The case has led to seven arrests, including Laymouri and his accountant. The prosecution has requested a full judicial inquiry for attacking voting operations and taking part in falsification. The investigation revealed that the ink on the seized ballots differed from the ink used inside the polling stations. Phone analysis also revealed calls between Laymouri and detained suspects before and on election day.
The PAM's decision to suspend Laymouri is a disciplinary measure that does not imply guilt. The party's statutes allow for such action under Article 149. The commission's ruling is aimed at maintaining the party's integrity and impartiality during the investigation. Laymouri's suspension is effective immediately, and he will not participate in party activities until further notice.
The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Morocco. The government's efforts to ensure free and fair elections are being closely watched. The case is ongoing, and further developments are expected as the investigation continues. The PAM's move to suspend Laymouri demonstrates its commitment to addressing allegations of irregularities and maintaining public trust.
Key points
- The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) suspended Tangier Mayor Mounir Laymouri amid a ballot fraud investigation.
- The suspension is a disciplinary measure independent of the ongoing criminal procedure.
- The case has led to seven arrests, including Laymouri and his accountant, and the prosecution has requested a full judicial inquiry.
