PJD and FGDS call for the dismissal of Rabat’s council's president over alleged abuse of power

Members of Rabat’s Community Council’s members, who are affiliated with the Federation of the Democratic and Socialist Left and justice and development party (PJD), are calling for the dismissal of the president of Rabat’s council, Asmaa Rhlalou, over “serious violations of the contents of the organic law 113.14 regulating the groups.”

In a submitted a request to the governor of the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra region, they said, “it was found that the lawyer of Rabat’s Community, Saad Benmbarek, is a lawyer in the Rabat Authority, who has no legal relationship with the council, while he has a marital relationship with its president.”

Asmaa Rhlalou confirmed, last month, in a communication, appointing her husband, Saad Benmbarek, as the lawyer of the city council, noting that he represents the council free of charge.

The members of the opposition parties said in their request, that Asmae Rhlalou’s decision violates the provisions of Article 65 of the Organic Law 113.14, which prevents every member of the council from associating personal interests with the council.

“It is forbidden for every member of the council to associate personal interests with the council, (…) or generally practicing any activity that may lead to a conflict of interest, whether that is in a personal capacity or as a shareholder or agent for others or for the benefit of his spouse or its origins or branches,” says the Article 65 of the Organic Law 113.14.

The two parties asked the governor of Rabat to take all necessary legal steps to stop the legal violations within Rabat’s city council.
According to Article 64 of the Organic Law 113.14, Asmaa Rhlalou should respond to the accusations in a period not exceeding ten days.

Depending on the situation, the president of the region may refer the matter to the Administrative Court, to request the dismissal of the accused member of the council.