Administrative Court in Fez Denies Requests from Popular Movement Party to Remove Local Officials

In a significant ruling on October 29, 2026, the Administrative Court in Fez dismissed a series of requests submitted by Mohamed Ouzine, the Secretary-General of the Popular Movement Party. These requests were aimed at disqualifying a member of his political bureau and four local community leaders in the Khénifra region, who were allegedly involved in supporting rival candidates during the recent legislative elections. The court accepted the formal aspects of the Popular Movement Party's requests but ultimately rejected the substance of the claims. The case centered around the actions of the political member, Ashour El-Hawari, who serves as the head of the Sbit Ait Raho community and previously held the position of regional coordinator for the party in Khénifra. Alongside him, the party sought to disqualify four other community leaders, including Nabil Arifi, president of the Tighsalin community, Nour Eddine Zouhari, president of the Bouhssousen community, and Khalid Mimouni, president of the Moulay Bouazza community. The court's decision reflects a commitment to uphold the integrity of local governance structures, reinforcing the principle that community leaders should not be easily stripped of their responsibilities without substantial evidence of wrongdoing. This ruling has significant implications for the political landscape in the lead-up to the 2026 legislative elections in Morocco, highlighting the challenges and dynamics within local political factions and their respective loyalties. The court's decision serves as a reminder of the importance of due process in political disputes, ensuring that actions against elected officials are pursued with caution and substantiated claims. Overall, this case illustrates the ongoing complexities within Moroccan politics, particularly in regions like Khénifra, where local allegiances can significantly impact electoral outcomes and governance.

As reported by alhadattv.ma.