Intense Political Maneuvering in Rabat
As the countdown to the 2026 legislative elections in Rabat begins, a fierce political battle is already unfolding in the capital. The return of former ministers and seasoned political veterans marks a significant shift in the electoral landscape, with major parties deploying their most influential figures in key constituencies such as Rabat-Ocean and Rabat-Chellah. Both the ruling coalition and the opposition are fully mobilizing to solidify their hold on power or reclaim lost ground. According to a recent report from _Al Akhbar_, the competition is intensifying as parties reveal their candidates and strategies.
In the Rabat-Ocean constituency, the Party of Authenticity and Modernity has placed its trust in Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, the current Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication, who is also a member of the party's leadership team. The party aims to leverage its political roots in the Yacoub El Mansour region while emphasizing Bensaïd's achievements within the executive branch to maintain its support. Meanwhile, the Justice and Development Party is eager to initiate an electoral comeback following a significant decline in the 2021 elections, where former Prime Minister Saâdeddine El Othmani failed to secure a seat. To lead their list, the party has chosen Mustapha El Khalfi, a former minister and government spokesperson, as highlighted by _Al Akhbar_.
The electoral competition is further heated by the involvement of other prominent figures. The Socialist Union of Popular Forces has decided to endorse former Minister Abdelkrim Benatiq, while the Istiqlal Party has reappointed incumbent deputy Abdelilah Drissi El Bouzidi. The National Rally of Independents has selected Taha El Joumani to head its list after internal deliberations, despite the prior speculation surrounding outgoing deputy Saâd Benmbarek as a potential candidate.
Additionally, the Progress and Socialism Party is banking on Rachid El Sassi, a former member of the National Rally of Independents, to regain ground in a constituency where its Secretary General, Nabil Benabdallah, lost his seat in the previous elections. Other parties are still finalizing their candidate selections; the Popular Movement is yet to reach a final decision, although the candidacy of deputy Nabil Dokhali remains on the table. The Democratic Left Federation has not appointed a replacement following the withdrawal of Farouk El Mahdaoui, and the Constitutional Union continues its consultations without publicly announcing its list leader, as reported by _Al Akhbar_.
Strategic Importance of Rabat
The situation in the Rabat-Chellah constituency is similarly competitive, with observers noting that parties are gearing up to align formidable candidates, promising one of the most fiercely contested electoral battles in the nation. The ruling majority aims to uphold its positions and expand its representation in Parliament, while the opposition strives to regain a significant foothold.
The alignment of national leaders and past or present governmental figures underscores Rabat's pivotal role in the mapping of upcoming elections. Political factions are clearly seeking to capitalize on the prominence of their candidates to secure as many seats as possible. The official submission phase for candidates is set to be highly dynamic, as parties finalize their selections and consider adjustments or transfers of elected officials prior to the commencement of the campaign.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
