The Istiqlal Party is struggling to form its executive committee following its recent conference, reflecting a state of stagnation in its organizational structure. This situation has prompted some voices within the party to express their dissatisfaction, holding the party’s Secretary-General, Nizar Baraka, accountable.
More than five months after Nizar Baraka was re-elected as the Secretary-General of the party for a second term, no session of the party’s National Council has been held to approve the list of the executive committee, which was supposed to be announced immediately after the secretary-general’s election.
Sources within the party indicate that what Nizar Baraka refers to as consultations with the party’s organizational bodies is merely a facade to justify the lengthy time taken to prepare the list of executive committee members, despite the privileges and guarantees provided to him. These sources believe this reflects his desire to impose names with no organizational, political, or electoral presence, but merely individuals who invest in familial and friendship ties.
In this context, the name of the former Governor of Casablanca, Abdelkebir Zahoud, who Nizar Baraka appointed as the Director-General of the National Company for the Studies of the Strait of Gibraltar, was mentioned. It is also alleged that Baraka exerted pressure to impose Archan, Zahoud’s nephew, in the executive office of the Istiqlal Youth, despite his lack of connection to the youth organization or the party.
Sources indicate that this policy has plunged the party into a state of stagnation, with the Women’s Independence Organization suffering from inactivity at the central level, only being mentioned through sporadic activities organized in specific provinces, which may be linked to local or regional electoral entitlements.
The situation is similar for the Istiqlal Youth, which was among the most active youth organizations nationally. However, since Othman Trahmni was elected as its Secretary-General during the 13th General Congress of the organization, it has become an empty structure.
This state of stagnation and organizational weakness is a cause of concern for many party members and supporters. The Istiqlal Party, one of the oldest political parties in Morocco, faces significant challenges in reorganizing its ranks and renewing its structures.
Some observers believe that this internal crisis could negatively impact the party’s performance in upcoming elections and its role in the Moroccan political scene. Continuing this situation may lead to a decline in voters’ trust in the party and its ability to represent their interests.
Under these circumstances, the party’s leadership, headed by Secretary-General Nizar Baraka, must take serious and swift steps to address these organizational problems. This requires conducting comprehensive internal dialogue, reviewing decision-making mechanisms, and activating the role of youth and women in party structures.
The success of the Istiqlal Party in overcoming this crisis and rebuilding itself will be of great importance not only for the party itself but also for Moroccan political life as a whole. The existence of strong and organized parties is essential to ensure genuine political pluralism and effective democracy in the country.
