The preliminary results of Morocco's legislative elections have revealed that the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has taken the lead with 97 seats. The party, led by Aziz Rabbah, has secured a significant position in the elections, followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 66 seats and the Independence Party with 65 seats. These results were announced by the Moroccan Minister of Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, early on Thursday.
The elections saw a total of 28 political parties and two independent lists competing for the 395 seats in the House of Representatives. The Authenticity and Modernity Party's rise to the top marks a significant shift in the country's political landscape, compared to the 2021 elections where the National Rally of Independents secured the most seats. The 2021 elections saw the RNI securing 102 seats, followed by the PAM with 87 seats and the Independence Party with 81 seats.
The Justice and Development Party (PJD), which had a significant decline in the 2021 elections, has made a remarkable comeback, securing 54 seats and ranking fourth. This is a notable improvement from the 13 seats it secured in the 2021 elections. The PJD's leader, Abdelilah Benkirane, expressed optimism about the party's performance, stating that they had run a strong campaign.
The preliminary results also revealed that the Popular Movement secured 29 seats, followed by the Socialist Union of Popular Forces with 26 seats and the Progress and Socialism Party with 19 seats. Other parties, including the Constitutional Union, the Social Democratic Movement, and the Leftist Alliance, secured a smaller number of seats. The elections had a turnout of 38.08%, with 15,801,162 voters registered to cast their ballots.
The Moroccan Ministry of Interior announced that the results are preliminary and subject to change once the electoral process is complete. The official electoral portal has set September 24 as the date for the announcement of the final results. The formation of a new government will follow the confirmation of the election results and the appointment of a new prime minister.
The three parties that make up the current government coalition – the Authenticity and Modernity Party, the National Rally of Independents, and the Independence Party – have secured a combined total of 228 seats. The parties' leaders have begun analyzing the results and gathering data from the electoral districts. Celebrations were held at the headquarters of several parties, including the PAM and the RNI.
The election results mark a significant shift in Morocco's political landscape, with the Authenticity and Modernity Party emerging as a major force. The party's success can be attributed to its strong campaign and its ability to connect with voters. The final results will be announced on September 24, and the formation of a new government will follow shortly after.
Key points
- The Authenticity and Modernity Party has taken the lead in Morocco's legislative elections with 97 seats.
- The Justice and Development Party has made a significant comeback, securing 54 seats.
- The preliminary results mark a significant shift in Morocco's political landscape.
