Tangier Mayor Mounir Laymouri has stated that his recent trip to Spain was for professional purposes and not an attempt to evade investigation into alleged irregularities during Morocco's September 23 legislative elections. Laymouri, who also led the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) campaign in Tangier, dismissed suggestions that he left the country to avoid questioning. He plans to return to Morocco on Monday.
The controversy began on election day when authorities discovered irregular electoral documents at a polling station in Al Qods School, located in Tangier's Casabarata district. A video of the incident spread across social media, sparking concerns about the vote's conduct. Five suspects have been detained in connection with the case, including heads and deputy heads of two polling stations, and another individual.
Four of the suspects were brought before prosecutors, while the fifth remained in custody as investigators pursued further inquiries. The public prosecutor has requested a formal judicial investigation into alleged offenses related to electoral procedures and suspected document falsification. Laymouri's name emerged during the questioning of one of the suspects, who is also affiliated with the PAM.
Judicial police officers went to Laymouri's home to question him and arrange a confrontation with the suspect. However, they found that the mayor had left Morocco for Spain on Thursday evening. Authorities subsequently issued a national search notice for Laymouri. The mayor disputes any connection between his departure and the case, maintaining that his trip had a professional purpose.
The PAM addressed the controversy shortly after the September 23 vote, describing allegations surrounding the Tangier polling stations as a "malicious and fabricated campaign" and a "political plot" aimed at damaging its image. The party supported a judicial investigation into the reported incidents and called for the facts to be established through the legal process.
The investigation into the alleged electoral irregularities remains underway. Laymouri has denied any involvement in the case, stating that he has "nothing to do with this case and did not flee Morocco." He is scheduled to return to Tangier on Monday. The case has garnered significant attention, with authorities detaining several suspects and pursuing a formal judicial investigation.
The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Morocco. The Authenticity and Modernity Party has backed the investigation, emphasizing the need to establish the facts through the legal process. The case will likely continue to be closely watched as it unfolds.
Key points
- Tangier Mayor Mounir Laymouri denies fleeing Morocco to avoid questioning over alleged electoral violations.
- Five suspects have been detained in connection with the alleged irregularities during the September 23 legislative elections.
- The investigation into the alleged electoral irregularities remains underway.
