Justice and Development Party Suffers Blow as Three Parliamentarians Defect to National Rally
In a move sure to send ripples through Moroccan politics, three former members of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) have announced their decision to join the National Rally of Independents (RNI). This defection, coming from within the ranks of the House of Councillors, represents another setback for the PJD, which has been grappling with declining popularity and internal divisions.
Sources reveal that the three councillors – lawyer Mustafa Dahmani, trade unionist Mohamed Benfqih, and Dr. Said Chaker – have already formalized their move to the RNI. An official announcement is expected on Saturday, October 12th, just ahead of a session focused on restructuring the House of Councillors.
This development is particularly significant given the political history of these individuals. All three were urged by former Prime Minister and PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane to resign from the House of Councillors following the 2021 general elections. Their refusal to comply with this directive ultimately led to their expulsion from the PJD.
A high-ranking PJD official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that Benkirane had sought to distance the party from these councillors since the last election, considering them “not aligned” with the PJD’s vision. Their eventual move to the RNI, often referred to as the “Dove Party,” is said to be the result of lengthy and complex negotiations with RNI leadership.
This defection highlights the ongoing political realignment taking place within Morocco. The RNI, currently leading the governing coalition, has been actively seeking to consolidate its position. The arrival of these three experienced parliamentarians will undoubtedly bolster the party’s ranks within the House of Councillors.
For the PJD, this latest defection underscores the challenges facing the once-dominant Islamist party. Having suffered significant losses in the 2021 elections, the PJD has struggled to adapt to its new role in opposition. Internal disagreements and a perceived disconnect from the electorate have further hampered the party’s efforts to regain its footing.
The long-term implications of this political shift remain to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the Moroccan political landscape is undergoing a period of significant transformation, with parties like the RNI well-positioned to capitalize on the evolving dynamics.
