In Morocco, Some Parties Prefer to Meet Christians Secretly Before the Elections

The Coordination of Moroccan Christians wants to use the electoral period to bring freedom of belief and conscience back into the political debate. It hoped to see these issues included in the parties’ platforms, but believes that most parties are now sufficiently advanced to favor dialogue after the elections, reports Hespress.

Mustapha Soussi, secretary-general and spokesperson for the Coordination, says that efforts are being made in particular with left-wing parties. The aim is to encourage them to take into account the situation of Moroccan Christians and, more broadly, that of religious minorities.

This effort extends the requests for legal recognition made by Moroccan Christians for several years.

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But the main obstacle would be electoral. According to Mustapha Soussi, some parties fear that a public rapprochement with Moroccan Christians could drive away some of their voters. He says that some parties therefore continue to meet discreetly with organizations that openly defend freedom of belief.

Some parties are worried about the electoral cost

The Coordination says it has been trying to open these channels since around 2018. In its view, parties should not determine their position solely according to the number of votes they might gain or lose, but also according to their principles and platform.

The demands go beyond religious practice alone. Christian organizations have already requested churches where Moroccans can officially practice their religion, as well as greater legal recognition and consideration of their situation in several areas of civil life.

Another organization, the Union of Moroccan Christians, says it too has approached several parties. Its president, Adam Rbati, says in particular that he sent an appeal to the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM), through one of its leaders, without receiving a response.

The Union, which does not have authorization from the Moroccan authorities, also wishes to facilitate the entry of Moroccan Christians into political life. It plans to encourage its supporters, especially young people and families, to participate in the elections, review the platforms, and vote for the candidates they consider closest to their expectations.

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The issue is not new. Moroccan Christians had already questioned Aziz Akhannouch’s government about their rights as soon as it came to power, particularly regarding worship, marriage, and religious freedom. With the new legislative elections just a few weeks away, their organizations now want to shift this battle toward the parties.

One difficulty remains, and their efforts bring it precisely to light: according to the Coordination, some officials may agree to discuss freedom of belief in private while still hesitating to publicly assume responsibility for this debate before their voters.