A Woman to Lead the Istiqlal Party in Parliament?
The Istiqlal Party in Morocco is abuzz with speculation as it seeks a new leader for its parliamentary group. This follows the appointment of former leader, Omar Hejira, as Secretary of State to the Minister of Industry and Trade, responsible for foreign trade, by King Mohammed VI. Hejira’s new role is part of a cabinet reshuffle of Aziz Akhannouch’s government.
Sources suggest that the party leadership is keen on appointing a woman to succeed Hejira, marking a significant step towards gender parity in Moroccan politics. If realized, this would be a first for the current legislative term, where men have dominated leadership positions across both the ruling and opposition parties.
One potential candidate is MP Madiha Kheir, representing the Beni Mellal region. Kheir is a member of the Istiqlal Party’s Executive Committee and serves as the rapporteur for the Finance and Economic Development Committee in the House of Representatives. Her appointment would be a powerful statement about the party’s commitment to promoting women in leadership roles.
Other names circulating within the party include Abdelmajid Fassi, son of former Prime Minister Abbas Fassi and brother-in-law of party leader Nizar Baraka, and surgeon Allal El Amraoui. However, the possibility of former leader Nourdine Moudian returning to the helm has been ruled out by a member of the party’s Executive Committee.
The Istiqlal Party’s Executive Committee is expected to meet soon to finalize the selection of the new parliamentary leader. The decision will require consensus between the party leadership, represented by Secretary General Nizar Baraka, and the parliamentarians.
Beyond choosing a new leader, the party will also need to nominate a replacement for MP Abdessamad Qaiouh as the second deputy speaker of the House of Representatives. Qaiouh recently assumed the role of Minister of Transport and Logistics, succeeding his party colleague, Mohammed Abdeljalil.
According to the internal regulations of the House of Representatives, vacant positions within the bureau are filled following the same procedures outlined in Articles 28, 29, and 30 of the regulations. This process will take place during the next parliamentary session.
