RNI Officially Elects Mohamed Chaouki as New Party Leader

Rabat – The National Rally of Independents (RNI), the main party of Morocco’s government coalition, officially elected Mohamed Chaouki as the party’s new leader.

The party announced Chaouki’s election during RNI’s extraordinary national congress on Saturday in El Jadida.

Chaouki received 1,910 votes out of a total of 1,933 ballots cast. Rachid Talbi Alami announced the results during the congress.

Chaouki was the sole candidate running to replace Aziz Akhannouch as the party’s leader. Akhannouch, who also serves as Head of Government, led the RNI for 10 years.

The elections came after Akhannouch decided not to stand for reelection as RNI leader at the party’s national congress ahead of Morocco’s general elections in 2026.

The news ended speculation about whether the billionaire-turned-politician would seek another mandate as head of government after the end of his current tenure.

For Akhannouch, his decision not to run for another term as party leader stems from a long-held conviction rather than a sudden choice. He stressed that he has always opposed unlimited leadership mandates.

The House of Representatives said Chaouki’s parliamentary duties include serving as President of the Committee on Public Finance Oversight and Governance. The role sees him overseeing key matters related to financial accountability and governance.

During his election, Chaouki expressed deep appreciation for the confidence shown in him by the RNI delegates, stressing that he understands the magnitude of the responsibility and the weight of the task.

He said the confidence “represents a doubled political trust and a clear commitment to honoring the legacy of a historic party that has never been a mere footnote in Morocco’s political history.”

Chaouki is a Rabat-born politician. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Al Akhawayn University and a Master of Science in Finance from the University of Salford in Manchester.

He has also served on the board of directors of Afriquia Gaz, owned by Akhannouch.