Accra:Ahmed Touizi of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has been elected as the new Speaker of the House of Representatives. He won the position by securing 220 votes out of the 369 cast, surpassing Driss El Azami El Idrissi of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), who received 59 votes. Additionally, 90 ballots were declared invalid.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the election was conducted under the supervision of the interim presiding officer, Abdelaziz Abba, in compliance with Article 62 of the Constitution and the Rules of Procedure of the House.
In his address following the election, Touizi expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the Members of Parliament. He emphasized that the 12th legislature is at a crucial juncture, requiring the legislative body to support Morocco’s ambitions, enhance its status as an emerging economic power, and implement initiatives for the benefit of its citizens. Touizi also highlighted the importance of driving economic growth and strengthening social and territorial justice.
Touizi noted that the Royal Guidelines outlined in the speech delivered at the opening of the 12th legislature serve as a crucial reference for understanding the current challenges and setting priorities. These guidelines should be translated into institutional actions to achieve the desired outcomes.
On the topic of the Moroccan Sahara issue, the newly elected Speaker emphasized the need for diplomatic efforts to maintain and build upon the Kingdom’s achievements, particularly in light of the momentum from UN Security Council Resolution 2797. He also pointed out that parliamentary diplomacy is a vital tool for supporting the Kingdom’s strategic interests and international engagement.
Regarding parliamentary work, Touizi, who previously chaired the PAM group in the House of Representatives, underscored the importance of legislative action as a means to keep up with economic and social changes. He highlighted the need to translate Morocco’s policy choices into legal provisions that address development needs and meet citizens’ expectations.
According to Article 62 of the Constitution, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, along with the members of its Bureau and the chairs of the standing committees, are elected at the start of each legislature, in the third year during the April session, and for the remainder of the legislature.