The recent parliamentary elections in Morocco, held on September 23, have brought about a significant change in the country's political landscape. The elections, which are the fourth to take place in Morocco since the Arab Spring in 2011, have seen the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerge as the largest party. The PAM, known for its open and moderate views, secured the most seats in the parliament, marking a significant shift in the country's politics.
The elections have also seen a decline in the popularity of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), which had previously been the dominant force in Moroccan politics. The PJD, which has an Islamist orientation, had won the first parliamentary elections in 2011 and had formed the country's first Islamist-led government. However, in the subsequent elections, the party's popularity declined, and it secured only 13 seats in the 2021 elections.
The 2026 elections have seen a significant increase in the PJD's popularity, with the party securing 54 seats, up from 13 in the previous elections. However, despite this increase, the party still lags behind the PAM, which secured the most seats in the parliament. The PAM's leader, Aziz Akhannouch, a billionaire, had formed a coalition government after the 2021 elections, and it remains to be seen how the party will navigate the country's politics in the coming years.
The elections have also highlighted the changing dynamics of Moroccan politics, with the PJD's leader, Abdelilah Benkirane, reiterating that his party has no organizational ties with the Muslim Brotherhood. Benkirane has also emphasized that the party's focus is on providing practical solutions to the country's problems, rather than imposing its vision of religion on Moroccans.
The Moroccan king, Mohammed VI, had tasked the party with the most seats to form a government, and it remains to be seen how the PAM will navigate the country's politics. The PAM's emergence as the largest party marks a significant shift in Moroccan politics, and it will be interesting to see how the party shapes the country's future.
The elections have also seen a significant turnout, with Moroccans exercising their right to vote. The country's electoral commission reported a high turnout, with many Moroccans eager to have their say in the country's future. The elections have also highlighted the country's commitment to democracy, with the government seeking to ensure that the elections are free and fair.
The results of the elections have also sparked reactions from various quarters, with many analysts seeking to interpret the results. The elections have highlighted the complexities of Moroccan politics, and it remains to be seen how the country's politics will evolve in the coming years. One thing is certain, however - the elections have marked a significant shift in the country's politics, and it will be interesting to see how the country's leaders navigate the new landscape.
Key points
- The Authenticity and Modernity Party emerged as the largest party in the Moroccan parliamentary elections.
