"Polarization" mixes the cards in Ain Chok

The Constitutional Union Party has escalated political competition in Casablanca's Ain Chok constituency, often dubbed the "district of death," by recruiting a prominent figure from a rival party. The party has successfully attracted Abdellatif Nassiri, a deputy mayor of Casablanca and former parliamentarian who was previously affiliated with the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM).

This strategic move by the Constitutional Union Party, led by its Secretary-General Mohamed Goudar, has surprised many and intensified the already fierce contest in this district. Ain Chok is known for its high-stakes political battles, featuring several well-known candidates, making the competition particularly heated and challenging for all contenders.

Available information suggests that internal disagreements between Nassiri and Chafik Benkirane, the head of the Ain Chok district and also a member of the Authenticity and Modernity Party, could significantly affect Benkirane's campaign. Supporters of Nassiri, who previously backed Benkirane, are now expected to shift their allegiance to the Constitutional Union Party's candidate, further complicating matters for Benkirane.

Sources indicate that this internal rift within the Authenticity and Modernity Party could benefit Amina Maalainine, the candidate for the Justice and Development Party (PJD), potentially strengthening her position. The situation is further complicated by the Independence Party's delay in announcing its candidate and the official nomination of Chafik Abderrahim by the Authenticity and Modernity Party. The presence of Mohamed Talal, former spokesperson for Wydad Casablanca, as a candidate for the Progress and Socialism Party, alongside a candidate from the left-wing alliance, further elevates the stakes in this district, making it difficult to predict the outcome for the three available seats.