On June 17, 2026, the National Rally of Independents (RNI) in Morocco officially invested Youssef Mandour as its candidate for the Sefrou constituency, despite his controversial past involving allegations of misconduct during his time in the United States. The decision was announced during a party meeting in Rabat, as confirmed by local media reports.
Mandour, a Moroccan-born businessman, faced legal issues in the US related to fraud charges in the early 2000s, which were later settled. His return to Moroccan politics has sparked debate, with critics questioning his suitability for public office. However, RNI leaders have defended the choice, citing his business experience and local ties.
The investment comes ahead of the 2026 Moroccan parliamentary elections, scheduled for later this year. Sefrou, a city in the Fès-Meknès region, has been a key battleground for major parties. Mandour's candidacy is seen as an attempt to strengthen RNI's presence in the area.
