Algerian Election Campaign: How Morocco Became a Political Tool in Presidential Campaigns
The upcoming September presidential elections in Algeria have seen Morocco’s name come to the forefront once again, used as a political weapon by candidates. Abdelali Hassani, the candidate from the Movement for a Society of Peace, attacked Morocco during an electoral rally in Tlemcen, following the example of current Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, who had employed similar rhetoric in his early electoral speeches.
Candidates and the Use of the Moroccan Issue as an Electoral Tool
Despite differences among the candidates, they all share a common point: hostility towards Morocco. This attitude seems to reflect a broader strategy of the Algerian regime. Analysis suggests that this hostility may serve to divert attention from internal issues and maintain the status quo of the Algerian military regime.
Moroccan Hostility in Algerian Regime Strategies
Historical observations indicate that the Algerian regime has shown no real willingness to improve relations with Morocco. Morocco’s calls for restoring normal relations, including those from King Mohammed VI, have been ignored. This situation raises the question of whether this hostility is a deliberate strategy to preserve power in Algeria.
The Political Role of Morocco in Algerian Election Campaigns
The repeated attacks on Morocco during electoral campaigns reflect a rejection of reconciliation proposals. As Morocco continues to achieve success in the Western Sahara issue, Algeria seems to persist in using hostility towards Morocco as a political tool to gain internal support.
Outlook for Moroccan-Algerian Relations in the Electoral Context
Forecasts suggest that relations between the two countries will continue to deteriorate in the short term, due to tensions amplified by the election campaign. The question remains whether this situation could evolve towards improved relations in the future or if the status quo will persist.
