2026 elections: the race for 'winnable candidates' blurs partisan landscape
Less than a month before the September 23 legislative elections, partisan affiliation changes are accelerating, with 27 deputies having left the House of Representatives since June 25. This trend is driven by the pursuit of "winnable candidates" – incumbent officials or local notables who can convert their territorial roots, popularity, or influence into parliamentary seats. The Authenticity and Modernity Party PAM is actively recruiting, while the National Rally of Independents RNI alleges pressure tactics. The Istiqlal Party and the Popular Movement are also making their own gains. Political scientists Abderrahim El Allam and Meryem Belhoussine describe this as "seasonal transhumance," highlighting the fragility of a party system where personal electoral capital often outweighs party loyalty and ideology. Parties increasingly prioritize candidates who can secure votes, risking dependence on individuals with established local networks. This "transfer market" confuses voters, who may struggle to discern whether they are voting for a program, a party label, or an individual. Long-standing activists, youth, women, and new talents often find themselves marginalized in this competitive environment. The Constitutional Court reports that 25 deputies resigned between July 16 and August 19, with two others losing their seats for abandoning their original party affiliation, as per Article 61 of the Constitution. This wave of departures also impacts parliamentary indemnities, which cea