Moroccan Islamist Party Alleges Intimidation of Candidates in Election Campaign

Despite calls for non-violence from the collective of parties running in the elections, the election campaign is still recording deplorable events.

In a statement, the PJD denounced acts of violence and intimidation used by certain individuals against its candidates, particularly in Rabat.

As an example, the statement indicates, Saad Eddine El Othmani, the party’s candidate in the Rabat-Océan constituency, was the victim of an "attack" while campaigning in the capital.

"While the secretary general was touring Boulevard Hassan II and some shopping centers with a group of activists, he was the target of an attack by a group of bribed thugs," the note states.

It adds that "some individuals tried to attack the party’s activists, some of whom were victims of violence, theft, harassment and insults."

According to the PJD statement, the perpetrators of the attack on El Othmani later got into "a van" used by the candidate of one of the rival parties.

Calling on the local authorities and security services to open an investigation into this attack, the Lamp party has decided to continue its election campaign in all Rabat constituencies in a "civilized" manner.