Istiqlal Party endorsement in Nador sparks internal controversy

The Istiqlal Party has sparked internal controversy in the Nador region after selecting Mohamadi Touhtouh as its candidate for the upcoming legislative elections. Touhtouh recently defected from the National Rally of Independents (RNI).

The decision has caused friction among party members who had expected the endorsement to go to Said Toumi, the president of the Ouled Stout commune. Approximately 50 party members had reportedly signed a petition supporting Toumi. Said Toumi expressed disappointment following a meeting with Istiqlal Secretary-General Nizar Baraka, stating he believed the outcome of their discussion would have favored his candidacy.

Following his move to the Istiqlal Party, Touhtouh has resigned from his position in the Bouarek communal council. This resignation is intended to address legal concerns regarding political migration laws, as he was originally elected under the RNI banner. Touhtouh has also begun reaching out to former political opponents in Bouarek to seek reconciliation ahead of the elections.