The Race for Naciri's Succession Heats Up at Casablanca Prefecture Council

In a development that has reverberated through Casablanca's political circles, Mohamed Mhidia, the Wali of Casablanca-Settat and Governor of the Casablanca Prefecture, has announced the commencement of candidacy submissions for the presidency of the Casablanca Prefectural Council. This announcement follows the prolonged absence of Saïd Naciri, due to his detention in connection with the "Desert Escobar" drug trafficking case.

Governor Mhidia invoked Order No. 20, issued by the Minister of Interior on June 25, 2024, which officially acknowledges the suspension of Saïd Naciri's duties as President of the Casablanca Prefectural Council, marking a significant transition in leadership.

Prospective candidates are required to submit their candidacy files at the Casablanca-Settat Regional Prefecture headquarters in the Directorate of Territorial Collectivities Affairs, from Wednesday, June 26, 2024, until Monday, July 1, 2024, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Candidates aspiring to lead the Casablanca Prefectural Council must personally deliver a set of documents within the stipulated timeframe. These include a certificate issued by their political party, a copy of their national identity card, and two passport-sized photographs.

Compliance with Organic Law No. 112.14 regarding prefectures and provinces, as enacted by Royal Decree No. 1.15.84 of July 7, 2015, and Organic Law No. 59.11 governing the election of territorial council members, amended by Organic Law No. 06.21 implemented under Royal Decree No. 1.21.41 of April 21, 2021, is mandatory.

Additionally, adherence to the provisions of Organic Law No. 27.11 concerning the House of Representatives, as amended and supplemented, particularly by Organic Law No. 14.21 enacted under Royal Decree No. 12139 of April 21, 2021, is emphasized in the candidacy announcement.

This unprecedented situation arises from the decision of the investigating judge at the Casablanca Court of Appeal to prosecute Saïd Naciri, former president of Wydad Casablanca sports club and incumbent president of the Casablanca Prefectural Council. Naciri, currently in custody as part of the "Desert Escobar" case, faces charges including forgery, fraud, participation in a criminal organization involved in drug possession, trafficking, transportation, and exportation, as well as facilitating illegal entry and exit of Moroccan nationals from Moroccan territory.

The investigating judge has specifically charged Naciri with forging official documents and using false agreements, pursuant to Articles 354 and 356 of the Penal Code, and involvement in a criminal organization focused on drug-related offenses under Articles 2 and 5 of the Dahir of May 21, 1974. Additionally, Naciri faces accusations of fraud and attempted fraud according to Articles 540 and 546 of the Penal Code, abuse of authority by a person in a position of responsibility as per Article 250's final paragraph, and coercing false statements and testimonies through pressure and threats, in violation of Article 373 of the Penal Code.

Further charges include concealing assets obtained through criminal means under Article 571 of the Penal Code, forging and using checks as per Article 316 of the Commercial Code, and attempting to export drugs without declaration or authorization, a first-class offense governed by Articles 279 bis, 279 ter, and Articles 206 and 221 of the Customs and Indirect Taxes Code.

Additionally, Naciri is accused of participating in the unlawful importation of foreign currency exceeding 100,000 dirhams without declaration, against the Dahir of September 10, 1939, and Articles 10 and 12 of the Resident General's Decree of August 30, 1949, along with Articles 1, 15, and 17 of the Dahir on direct payment in foreign currency for goods or services on national territory, the General Instructions on Foreign Exchange Operations for 2013, and Article 129 of the Penal Code.

With the race for Naciri's successor now officially underway, a fierce competition is anticipated that will undoubtedly shape the future course of Casablanca's political landscape.