When Political Parties Fall Short, Competence Must Lead

By Dr. Tarik TLATY

Every democracy depends on political parties. But every successful state ultimately depends on competence.

Morocco is entering a decisive phase. As major development projects accelerate, preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup gather momentum, and regional uncertainty grows, the country cannot afford institutional hesitation. The central question is no longer who wins the next election, but who can deliver results.

This reality has naturally shifted public attention toward experienced state officials whose legitimacy rests on performance rather than political rhetoric. Figures such as Fouzi Lekjaa illustrate a broader truth: effective governance is built through expertise, discipline, and execution—not slogans.

The challenge, however, is not to replace politics with technocracy. It is to restore political parties to their essential democratic mission: producing credible leaders, developing serious policy ideas, and reconnecting with citizens. A democracy is strongest when its institutions generate competence rather than merely compete for power.

Morocco possesses no shortage of capable men and women ready to serve the nation. The real test is whether its political parties can once again become the schools of leadership they were meant to be. If they succeed, they will strengthen not only themselves but also the democratic foundations upon which Morocco’s future depends.