Countdown To The Istiqlal Party’s Executive Committee Elections: A Critical Juncture For Morocco’s Political Future – OpEd

The race to elect the new members of the Istiqlal Party's Executive Committee has officially begun. As Morocco's oldest political party prepares for this key moment, a sense of calm and determination prevails among its leadership. The party's senior figures are focused on building a strong decision-making body that is capable of navigating the political and socio-economic challenges of the future.

Earlier this year, in April, the Istiqlal Party held its 18th General Congress, where Nizar Baraka was re-elected as Secretary-General. This renewal of confidence underscores two essential principles: the party's unwavering commitment to internal democracy and its pragmatic approach to politics. Baraka's leadership, marked by significant achievements in his first term, has strengthened his standing within the party. The upcoming elections for the new Executive Committee on Saturday, October 5, represent a crucial step in advancing the roadmap set forth in 2017 to restore the party's political prominence.

Under Baraka's leadership, the Istiqlal Party has already seen tangible results across various sectors, reflecting the contributions of its key leaders to Morocco's ongoing reforms. The stakes for the upcoming vote are high, with more than 100 candidates vying for just 30 seats. These future members will play a decisive role in shaping the party's strategy as it prepares to lead Morocco through critical challenges.

The Road to Reinforce the Party's Legacy

As the country gears up for the legislative session in mid-October, the Istiqlal leadership remains united in its goal: to solidify the party's institutional strength in preparation for the parliamentary session. This is a pivotal moment, not just for the party, but for the entire nation. The new leadership team will steer the Istiqlal ship through the next four years, a period expected to be filled with political, economic, and environmental challenges.

During the 18th General Congress, Baraka laid out an ambitious vision for the future, explicitly stating his intention to win the next legislative elections and lead the future government. This bold declaration has been met with resounding support from the party's grassroots, who see their political and social vision becoming a reality under his leadership.

Building Public Trust: The Cornerstone of Baraka's Strategy

Baraka has consistently emphasized that restoring public trust in politics is paramount to success. To achieve this, the Istiqlal Party is committed to providing citizens with a clear vision for the future and transparent political goals. The cohesion within the Executive Committee is critical to executing this strategy without interference. At the core of Baraka's approach are four key pillars: strengthening the party's connection with the people, communicating the impact of public policies, and fostering a dynamic, inclusive movement.

"Proximity with the citizen is essential," Baraka has repeatedly said. He argues that public policies must be explained in tangible terms, so citizens can feel their direct impact on daily life. This, he believes, is the way forward—not only to galvanize the party's activists but also to foster a broader societal shift towards a shared vision for the future. The Istiqlal Party has already begun laying the groundwork, reinforcing its presence across the country's regions.

Mohammed Zidouh, a senior party adviser, echoed these sentiments, stressing that the party's focus is already on 2026. "We must start preparing now to be ready for the upcoming elections," he remarked, emphasizing the importance of territorial outreach and grassroots mobilization. The party's new leadership will be expected to meet these challenges head-on, consolidating the gains made under Baraka's first term.

Integrity and Competence: The Core Values of the Istiqlal Party

Under Baraka, the Istiqlal Party has placed a renewed emphasis on intellectual rigor, genuine activism, and integrity. Since taking the reins, Baraka has made it clear that the party must remain a wellspring of ideas in a political landscape that often seems bereft of fresh thinking. This commitment to thought leadership is part of what makes the Istiqlal Party so essential to Morocco's future.

Baraka's pride in the current government's adoption of many of the Istiqlal Party's proposals speaks to the party's influence on national policy. The new Executive Committee must continue this tradition, providing the intellectual and political muscle needed to advance the party's ambitious agenda.

A New Era of Renaissance

Since 2017, the Istiqlal Party has undergone a renaissance of sorts, emerging from a period of opposition that left a bitter taste in the mouths of many members. Under Baraka's leadership, the party has returned to its roots, eschewing populism in favor of measured, responsible political discourse. This internal transformation paid off during the 2021 elections when the party secured 81 parliamentary seats, establishing itself as a cornerstone of the governing coalition.

Baraka's successes have made him a natural candidate for re-election as Secretary-General, allowing him to continue the important work of revitalizing the Istiqlal Party. As the new Executive Committee prepares to take shape, it is clear that the party is poised for even greater achievements in the coming years.

In conclusion, the Istiqlal Party stands at a critical juncture. The decisions made in the coming days will define the party's future and, by extension, Morocco's political trajectory. With a strong foundation, renewed leadership, and a clear vision, the party is well-positioned to navigate the challenges ahead and lead the nation towards a brighter, more inclusive future.