Lahcen Zelmat, a Moroccan political figure, has officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 national elections. The declaration was made on July 19, 2026, in a press conference in Rabat, as confirmed by multiple local news outlets.
Zelmat emphasized the importance of tourism as a key driver of Morocco's economy, stating that the sector generates hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dirhams in investments and foreign currency revenue. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, tourism contributed 7.1% to Morocco's GDP in 2019, supporting over 500,000 jobs.
His campaign platform includes plans to boost tourism infrastructure, attract foreign investment, and create sustainable employment opportunities. Zelmat also highlighted the need for modernizing the sector to compete globally, citing recent government initiatives to promote Morocco as a top travel destination.
Political analysts note that Zelmat's candidacy adds to a growing field of contenders for the 2027 elections, with economic issues expected to dominate the campaign. The election date has not yet been set by the Moroccan government.
