Morocco's centre-right Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has secured the most seats in the country's parliamentary election, winning 97 out of 395 seats, according to provisional results. The PAM is part of the kingdom's ruling coalition. Many Moroccan voters voiced frustrations about unemployment and inequality ahead of the polls. The election drew a turnout of 38 percent, marking the lowest level in almost two decades.
The low voter turnout was attributed to widespread disillusionment with the political class. Nearly 16 million people were registered to vote, but many chose to stay away from the polls. Only about four percent of registered voters were aged 18 to 24. Voter apathy was also reflected in comments from citizens, who expressed frustration with the government's handling of key issues such as healthcare, education, and purchasing power.
The National Rally of Independents (RNI), which heads the outgoing coalition, came in second with 66 seats, followed by the right-wing Istiqlal party with 65 seats. The Islamist opposition's Justice and Development Party took 54 seats, according to Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit. The election came less than two months after a mass migration crisis when tens of thousands of mainly young Moroccans rushed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta.
The PAM has recruited a popular figure, Budget Minister Fouzi Lekjaa, better known for his role as head of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Lekjaa has pledged higher wages and better purchasing power, saying that young people should be a force capable of bringing added value rather than being left behind. However, the PAM has also been hit by a corruption scandal, with two of its senior figures sentenced to prison in a major drug-trafficking case.
Despite the challenges facing the country, Morocco has posted economic growth and is ramping up major infrastructure projects as it prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. However, this has also contributed to disillusionment, with some viewing the World Cup bid as out of step with the kingdom's socio-territorial priorities, including failing public services, rural isolation, and high unemployment.
Morocco's prime minister is appointed by the king from the party that wins the most seats. The premier then forms a government for a five-year term, but the monarch retains control of major policy decisions. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch led the RNI's campaign, although he has stepped down as head of the party. Akhannouch has defended his government's record, including expanding social security coverage.
The RNI and its main rival PAM are ideologically close and were founded by figures with ties to the royal palace. The low voter turnout and social crises have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the new government and its ability to address the country's challenges. The PAM's victory marks a significant development in Moroccan politics, but it also poses challenges for the party to deliver on its promises and restore trust in the political class.
Key points
- The PAM won 97 seats in the parliamentary election, amid low voter turnout and social crises.
- The low voter turnout was attributed to widespread disillusionment with the political class.
- Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, despite facing socio-economic challenges.
