Ouahbi / Electoral Quota: “PAM is committed to defending democracy rather than political parties” (Video)
The Authenticity and Modernity Party tends to defend the electoral quota based on candidates’ registration lists, in order to consolidate democracy in Morocco and disallow privileges among certain political parties, PAM Secretary General, Abdellatif Ouahbi, said.
“The majority of PAM’s militants believe that the methods adopted in electoral quota calculations shall be reviewed and changed, even if this costs the party a few seats within the next parliamentary formation”, Ouahbi revealed to Hespress webcast, Niqach Fi Siyassa (political debate).
“PAM shall stand in favor of the new electoral quota formula, for the party’s militants believe that such a patha will enrich politics in Morocco, as it shall give other political formations a chance to be represented as well within the next parliament”, he added.
“Reducing the number of parties will inevitably lead to a bipartite or tripartite dictatorship”, he said, noting that he has voted in favor of the electoral quota, and that he shall continue to defend this choice.
+ “PJD’s agitation stands as a warm-up exercise in the run-up to the 2021 elections” +
Ouahbi revealed that the idea for adopting a new method during electoral quota calculations “has originated from within the government.”
“We looked into this proposal from the opposition’s point of view, and decided to adopt it”, he said.
Ouahbi also emphasized that PAM represents Morocco’s second political force; therefore, “the party is required to provide a proper democratic model”.
“Several political parties have assured that the new electoral quota is likely to serve their interests, however, PAM chose to act as the defender of other national formations, provided that the party is required to maintain good relations with all political bodies”, he noted.
In light of PJD’s virulent reaction to PAM’s support for the new electoral quota, Ouahbi stressed that the latter’s agitation is nothing but “a warm-up exercise in the run-up to the 2021 elections”.
+ “The main problem lies within the majority, rather than the opposition” +
Ouahbi stated that he will not be drawn into “PJD’s wicked games, for the Islamist party tends to incriminate political rivals and accuse them of treason”, pointing that all electoral quota matters have been decided within a legal framework.
“The main problem lies within the majority, rather than the opposition”, he said.
“How could PJD cling to the government even when opposed by its own majority? And how come the party is still attached to power, at a time where its majority has already disintegrated?”, Ouahbi wondered about the PJD’s approach.
Within the same context, PAM secretary general revealed that he has urged his fellow militants to not respond to PJD’s allegations.
Ouahbi also stated that the criticism addressed to him with regard to the electoral quota is due to his rejection of the youth and women national lists.
+ Hirak Rif detainees +
PAM tends to cover all electoral districts and bring upon young candidates in the process, Ouahbi stressed.
Ouahbi also pleaded for the “suppression” of the House of Councillors”.
“The Moroccan Constitution needs to be amended as soon as the new government is formed”, he noted, adding that ” the House of Councillors shall be abolished”.
“The House of Councillors is a burden for the state budget and the legislative institution”, he declared, emphasizing that “the Economic and Social Council shall be assigned new roles within the House of Representatives”.
It is noteworthy that PAM’s Secretary General reiterated his call for the release of Hirak Rif detainees, specifying that his repeated pleas on this issue in particular “emanate from his convictions as a law man who values the principles of justice and freedoms”.
