Istiqlal has decided to keep its cards close for a few more days, leaving the question of whether it will join Morocco’s next government to a National Council meeting on Saturday.
The party’s executive committee met on Monday evening to take stock of the Sept. 23 legislative elections, including irregularities it says accompanied the vote, while thanking party workers and voters for their mobilization.
The more consequential discussion was put off. The National Council has been called to meet on Saturday at the Palais des Congrès in Salé, where the party will decide whether to seek a place in the next governing majority or move to the opposition benches.
That choice comes after an election in which Istiqlal remained near the top of the parliamentary table but surrendered considerable ground. It finished third with 65 seats, one behind the RNI and 32 behind election winner PAM. In 2021, it had returned 81 MPs.
Its reduced parliamentary contingent nevertheless leaves Istiqlal with substantial weight as parties consider the composition of the next majority. For now, the party is stopping short of committing those seats either way.
