Agadir 24 | Agadir24
The results of the general population and housing census recently announced by the High Commission for Planning produced unpleasant news for political parties in Morocco, indicating important changes that will affect the map of the upcoming elections.
With the increase in population numbers in some groups, it has become likely that a number of electoral districts will witness a transition from the individual voting system to the list voting system, which constitutes a new challenge for parties that preferred to return to the individual voting system, avoiding the two-decade-long experiment in the voting system. relative to the list.
This change, which will require parties to redeploy their electoral base, emerges as a double challenge: on the one hand, they must face the possibility of losing their traditional electoral strongholds, and on the other hand, they must adapt to the nature of the new electoral system, which requires rearranging their structures and strategies, especially since the list voting system It requires broadening coalitions and focusing on more inclusive and highly qualified candidates.
The situation in the Mediouna region stands out as a clear example of the impact of this change, as sources from “Al-Sabah newspaper” indicated that three main communities in this region will be subject to the transition to the list voting system, namely the groups of Haraouine, Tit Mellil, and Sidi Hajjaj Oued Hisar, whose population exceeds each. Of which 50 thousand people.
These groups, which previously relied on the individual ballot system, will now need candidates who reflect the makeup of the population and enjoy broad appeal to succeed in the upcoming elections.
Analysts believe that this change will bring with it profound organizational and strategic challenges, as candidates will find themselves required to build a broad popular base instead of relying on traditional and local loyalties that spared them the need to interact with the general electorate.
This may also mean that parties will be required to adopt more comprehensive discourses and programs, going beyond the narrow interests of local groups, which may push for a more mature and responsive political direction to citizen issues.
On the other hand, this change may face resistance from some political actors who consider that the list system weakens the role of notables and local leaders, and makes it difficult for them to win seats due to the necessity of achieving broader consensus.
The transition to a list system may also cause internal divisions within the ranks of the parties themselves, as party leaders will have to find new ways to meet the demands of the electoral bases, which now fear losing their direct representation under the list system.
Although the list voting system may be considered a step towards strengthening representative democracy and expanding the scope of political participation, the parties have hard work ahead of them in strengthening their presence and expanding their electoral bases to ensure fair competition in light of these demographic changes.
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**Interview with Dr. Samir El Amrani, Political Analyst and Expert on Moroccan Elections**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El Amrani. We’ve seen some significant developments in Morocco’s electoral landscape due to the recent general population and housing census. Can you shed some light on how these changes may impact the upcoming elections?
**Dr. El Amrani:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me. The recent census results indicate a shift in population dynamics which is leading to a transition from an individual voting system to a list voting system in several electoral districts. This shift poses both challenges and opportunities for political parties.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned challenges. Can you elaborate on what these challenges are for the political parties?
**Dr. El Amrani:** Certainly. Political parties that have traditionally relied on individual voting will need to adapt quickly. The list voting system promotes coalitions and requires parties to present a wider range of candidates who appeal to broader constituencies. This means they will have to reassess their electoral strategies and possibly their candidate selection processes to include more diverse and qualified individuals.
**Interviewer:** What areas are most affected by this transition, particularly regarding the districts you mentioned?
**Dr. El Amrani:** The Mediouna region is a case in point, where communities like Haraouine, Tit Mellil, and Sidi Hajjaj Oued Hisar will now operate under the list voting system. Each of these communities has a population exceeding 50,000, significantly altering the political landscape. The challenge for local parties will be to not only maintain their support bases but to expand them in light of this new system.
**Interviewer:** How do you see the political landscape evolving in the wake of these changes?
**Dr. El Amrani:** It certainly complicates matters. Parties that were once dominant in certain regions might find themselves struggling to adapt to a more competitive environment where coalition-building is essential. We could see a rise in more inclusive politics as parties seek to broaden their appeal, potentially changing the dynamics of voter engagement and representation in the process.
**Interviewer:** what advice would you give to political parties as they prepare for the upcoming elections?
**Dr. El Amrani:** They need to invest time in understanding the new electoral boundaries and demographics. Building alliances and uniting under a common platform that emphasizes inclusivity could be vital for their success. Furthermore, they should prioritize candidate outreach and community engagement to ensure they resonate with a broader electorate.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. El Amrani, for your insights. Your analysis provides a compelling overview of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Morocco’s political parties.
**Dr. El Amrani:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for Moroccan politics, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds.