Tangier: "Death Circle" Ignites Electrically

Tangier is bracing for a fiercely contested election on September 23, with the political landscape rapidly taking shape despite some parties yet to finalize their candidate lists. The district, notoriously dubbed the "death circle," is poised for significant shifts in power dynamics, fueled by anticipated new influential figures.

The departure of Mohamed Zemmouri from the Constitutional Union to join the Popular Movement, where he will lead the party's list, is a pivotal development. This move is expected to trigger considerable changes in the electoral map of the "Bride of the North." Zemmouri's switch from the "Horse" symbol presents a strategic opportunity for his rival, Abdelhamid Abarchan, a parliamentary counselor and prominent real estate developer. Abarchan reportedly seeks to endorse Mohamed El Hamidi, son of the Authenticity and Modernity Party's regional leader and president of the Tangier-Asilah Prefecture Council, potentially influencing the outcome.

Further complicating the race, the Independence Party has officially nominated Mohamed El Hamami, president of the Beni Makada district, creating unease among rival parties. El Hamami has been a dominant electoral force in the city's most populous district for years. The Authenticity and Modernity Party has nominated its regional secretary-general, Abdelatif El Ghalbzouri, setting the stage for a crucial contest to assert its influence in the district. Meanwhile, the National Rally of Independents, nominating Abdelwahed Boulaich, is working to consolidate its position and secure a seat without succumbing to surprises from new contenders.

Political elites in Tangier anticipate the return of the Justice and Development Party, nominating Mohamed Bouzidan as its list leader, to reclaim a parliamentary seat after its setback in 2021. Adding another strong contender is Dahman Mezriahi, a notary and list leader for the Progress and Socialism Party, who has initiated coordinated efforts to present himself as a viable new candidate. With several parties still evaluating options and seeking strong candidates, the possibility of new names emerging in the coming weeks could further intensify the competition.