Akhannouch’s RNI Party Unseats Islamist PJD in Moroccan Elections

The victory of the RNI in the September 8 elections is far from being the result of chance. Described "as close to the royal palace", Aziz Akhannouch is an architect of this victory. Minister of Agriculture since 2007, the very wealthy businessman took over the RNI at the end of 2016 and got it out of its lethargy. This party said to be "administrative" is known to be close to the royal palace. When the second post-electoral government of the Islamists who came to power in 2011 was formed, the boss of the RNI managed to sideline Abdelilah Benkirane.

Saâdeddine El Othmani, the new secretary general of the PJD, became head of government. A politician considered very conciliatory. A quality that has cost the Lamp party dearly. He remained loyal to the royal instructions. But some instructions, particularly the normalization of diplomatic relations between Morocco and Israel, have put the Islamist party in difficulty, with the electoral base still supporting Palestine against the Hebrew state. This situation has benefited the RNI.

The Akhannouch party has gained in popularity by opening up to a new modern, young, urban electorate fond of digital mobilization, analyzes Le Monde. A major asset in times of Covid-19 and confinement. "The RNI has been able to attract the layer of middle entrepreneurs who do not necessarily have the same interests as the large companies linked to power," notes historian Maati Monjib.

The leadership of the RNI boss has finally paid off. Following the elections of the Professional Chambers held on August 6, the party came out on top by winning 638 seats, or 28.61% of the votes. With 102 seats obtained, it is the big winner of the September 8 legislative elections, far ahead of the Party of Justice and Development, the party in power for a decade, which collapsed, going from 125 seats in the outgoing Assembly to 13. It came out largely on top in the municipal and regional elections held the same day.

In the eyes of political scientist Mohamed Tozy, Akhannouch’s victory heralds a new era which, with personal proximity to the palace helping, should see "the relationship between the government and the king become less tense".