Morocco's interior minister, Abdelouafi Laftit, announced the official results of the parliamentary elections on Thursday morning. The elections, which took place on Wednesday, saw a lower voter turnout compared to previous years. Laftit stated that the voter turnout was 38.08% nationwide, down from 50.86% in 2021 and 42.27% in 2016. A total of around 6 million voters cast their ballots.
The results showed that the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the largest party, winning 97 seats. The National Rally of Independents (RNI) came second with 66 seats, followed by the Independence Party with 65 seats, and the Justice and Development Party (PJD) with 54 seats. Other parties, including the Popular Movement, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces, and the Progress and Socialism Party, also secured seats.
Laftit expressed his gratitude to all citizens who participated in the elections and to the various parties that contested. He also praised the work of the electoral authorities, judges, and security forces in ensuring a smooth voting process. The minister noted that the elections were conducted in a fair and transparent manner, with some isolated incidents that did not affect the overall process.
The elections saw a total of 28 parties competing, with 1847 lists submitted for the local and regional electoral districts. This included 7277 candidates, an average of over 18 candidates per seat. Women's participation in the elections was notable, with 2659 female candidates, representing around 37% of total candidates. A total of 120 women were nominated as heads of local lists.
Laftit highlighted the efforts made to update and improve the electoral lists, which now comprise 15.8 million registered voters. He also noted that 40,694 polling stations were set up, with around 3931 central offices, to facilitate voting. The electoral process was observed by 3006 monitors, including those from civil society, the National Human Rights Council, and international organizations.
The minister emphasized that the elections were a significant milestone in Morocco's democratic process, demonstrating the country's commitment to democratic values and the importance of elected institutions. He also highlighted the government's efforts to promote transparency, accountability, and equal opportunities in the electoral process.
The elections were marked by a significant media presence, with parties using public broadcasting services to communicate their programs and engage with voters. The campaign was characterized by intense political and media activity, reflecting the vibrancy of Morocco's political landscape.
Key points
- The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) won the most seats in the parliamentary elections.
- Voter turnout was 38.08%, lower than in previous years.
- Women's participation in the elections was notable, with 2659 female candidates.
