RNI wins back Sahara MPs from PAM ahead of legislative elections

With just weeks to go before the September 23 legislative elections, the National Rally of Independents (RNI) is projecting confidence. In Morocco's three southern regions, the Dove party has reportedly succeeded in bringing back several outgoing MPs who had been considering a switch to the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM).

Their return followed a series of discussions between the lawmakers and the RNI leadership, particularly party president Aziz Akhannouch, a source told Yabiladi. According to the same source, the RNI promised some of these elected officials positions of responsibility in the next government, should the party remain in power after the legislative elections.

The development comes after a wave of resignations by RNI figures in the southern provinces, the Oriental region, particularly in Berkane and Oujda, and Rabat. The departures have been linked to speculation that Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, could be chosen to lead the Tractor party in the September 23 elections. Lekjaa has denied those reports.