The political landscape in Morocco is currently ablaze with controversy following the leaked news that Fawzi Lekjaa, the Moroccan Minister of Budget and President of the Moroccan Football Federation, is set to run for parliament under the banner of the ruling party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM). This revelation comes just two months ahead of the legislative elections scheduled for September 23, and has incited a significant political and media uproar, described by many as a political earthquake.
Reports suggest that the agreement for Lekjaa's candidacy was reached during a crucial meeting earlier this month with Fatima Zahra Mansouri, the national coordinator of PAM. This meeting seemingly paved the way for Lekjaa's official membership in the party, along with endorsement to contest the elections in his hometown of Berkane, located in eastern Morocco. This significant development occurs amidst intense preparations by PAM as it gears up for its national council meeting, which is expected to serve as a platform for finalizing its electoral program and strengthening its ranks with prominent national figures.
The implications of Lekjaa's potential candidacy have stirred considerable debate among political commentators and social media users alike. Naima Al-Harouri, a writer and activist, expressed her concerns on Facebook, stating that if the news is accurate, it signifies a dismal future for Moroccan football and indicates a troubling trend of exploiting sporting successes for electoral gains. Her remarks were directed at those promoting the narrative of Lekjaa as a prospective prime minister, emphasizing that if the future prime minister is predetermined before the elections, it undermines the very essence of democracy and the electoral process in Morocco.
In a similar vein, academic and human rights activist Latifa Bouhsini argued that if the information is confirmed, Morocco's political landscape is shifting from wealthy elites to footballing talents, describing the situation as a renewal of the oligarchy's grip on power. Media figure Adel Tchekito also weighed in, asserting that Lekjaa has no ethical grounds to run for office or support any political party in the upcoming elections. He highlighted the potential misuse of the symbolic capital associated with national football achievements for partisan electoral campaigns.
Journalist Moulay Tahami Bahtat raised critical questions regarding the integrity of the electoral process, suggesting that if the prime ministerial candidacy is already decided, then pouring resources into the elections becomes a farcical waste of public funds. He stressed the need for transparency in light of royal directives aimed at ensuring fair electoral processes.
In the first official response to the controversy, Abed El-Ilah Benkirane, the Secretary-General of the Justice and Development Party, acknowledged that this move falls within the natural rights of any citizen. He framed Lekjaa as an ordinary citizen entitled to join any political organization he chooses, while also insinuating criticisms regarding the implications of such political maneuvers. The Justice and Development Party’s secretariat issued a stern statement rejecting what they termed the promotion of specific names for leadership roles, underscoring that electoral outcomes should remain solely in the hands of voters in adherence to democratic principles.
As reported by alquds.co.uk.
