Madar (Rabat) - The Istiqlal group for unity and equality in Morocco's House of Representatives on the morning of Monday, October 19, 2026, elected Rahal Mekkaoui as its president, succeeding Madiha Khayr, who was relieved of her government duties, the Moroccan news site Hespress reported.
According to the outlet, the vote took place at a meeting of the group attended by Istiqlal Party secretary-general Nizar Baraka. Mekkaoui had been the front-runner for the post after winning the backing of the party's executive committee.
The group presidency became vacant automatically when Khayr was appointed minister delegate for vocational training and qualification last Friday, under incompatibility rules.
The Royal Cabinet announced on Sunday that King Mohammed VI had accepted a request from Head of Government Fatima Zahra El Mansouri to relieve the minister delegate of her duties, under Article 47 of the Constitution, following controversy over her appointment.
