On September 29, 2026, King Mohammed VI of Morocco appointed Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the head of government, marking a historic milestone for the country. El Mansouri, the coordinator of the collective leadership of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), was chosen following the party's victory in the legislative elections. The appointment was made in accordance with Article 47 of the Moroccan Constitution.

El Mansouri received her appointment during an audience at the Royal Palace in Rabat, where the King tasked her with forming a new government. This move comes after the PAM emerged as the leading party in the recent legislative elections, followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and the Istiqlal Party. The elections saw a significant turnout, with over 3,000 observers from the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) monitoring the process.

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri becomes the first woman to lead the executive branch in Morocco's history. Her appointment reflects the country's ongoing efforts to promote gender equality and representation in politics. As head of government, El Mansouri will be responsible for forming a cabinet and outlining the government's priorities and policies.

The PAM's victory in the legislative elections was seen as a significant development in Moroccan politics. The party's success was attributed to its strong campaign and its ability to connect with voters. The party's leader, Abdelilah Benkirane, had previously served as head of government from 2011 to 2017.

El Mansouri's appointment has been seen as a positive step towards increasing female representation in Moroccan politics. Morocco has made significant progress in recent years in promoting women's rights and participation in politics. The country has implemented various initiatives aimed at increasing women's representation in elected bodies.

The new head of government faces significant challenges, including addressing the country's economic and social issues. Morocco has been working to diversify its economy and address issues such as unemployment and corruption. El Mansouri will need to work with various stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy to address these challenges.

The international community has welcomed El Mansouri's appointment, seeing it as a positive development for Morocco's democratic process. The country's commitment to democratic principles and human rights has been recognized by various international organizations. El Mansouri's leadership will be closely watched by both domestic and international observers.

Key points

  • Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is the first woman to lead Morocco's government.
  • El Mansouri's appointment follows the PAM's victory in the legislative elections.
  • The new head of government faces significant challenges, including addressing economic and social issues.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.