National Rally of Independents accuses PAM of poaching members

The National Rally of Independents (RNI) has issued a strong condemnation against the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), accusing it of attempting to lure away its members ahead of upcoming elections.

During a political bureau meeting chaired by party leader Mohamed Chouki on August 25, 2026, the RNI reported that several of its parliamentarians, local elected officials, and territorial leaders have been subjected to what it described as ‘inducements and pressures’ from PAM. The RNI stated that these practices undermine political ethics and the principles of democratic competition.

The RNI specifically named several individuals targeted by these efforts, including Abdelhay Hartoun, Mohamed El Joumani, Zeinab El Simo, Othman Badal, Manal Badal, Bouchra El Ouardi, Abdelhafid El Makouti, and Abdelkader El Hadouri. The party also noted that these attempts reportedly extended to a member of its own political bureau.

Furthermore, the RNI highlighted ‘hybrid transitions’ occurring in the Dakhla region among majority components, which have subsequently affected RNI elected officials. The party criticized the trend of reducing political competition to the recruitment of candidates rather than a debate over programs, projects, and political ideas.