Morocco's recent elections have concluded, with the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerging as the leading party with 97 seats. However, the party still needs to form an alliance to secure a majority in the 395-member parliament. The National Rally of Independents (RNI) came in second with 66 seats, followed closely by the Independence Party with 65 seats. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) secured 54 seats.
The distribution of seats has raised questions about the potential for a new government. According to the Moroccan constitution, the king appoints the prime minister from the party that wins the most seats in the parliamentary elections. However, the winning party must then form an alliance to secure a majority of 198 votes in the parliament. The PAM's 97 seats fall short of this target, necessitating negotiations with other parties.
The PAM has expressed openness to forming an alliance with other parties. Party leader, Fathima Zahra Mansouri, stated that her party is willing to negotiate with various parties and does not have any red lines in forming an alliance. This development has sparked speculation about potential alliances, including a possible reunion with the RNI and Independence Party, which formed a government together in the previous term.
However, tensions between the PAM and RNI have been reported in recent months. The RNI accused the PAM of attempting to lure its members and officials during the election campaign. The PAM denied these allegations, but the incident has highlighted the challenges that lie ahead in forming a new government.
The entry of Finance Minister, Fouzi Lekjae, into the PAM's political bureau has added a new dynamic to the party's negotiations. Lekjae's appointment has been seen as a significant move, given his influential position in the government and his role in shaping the country's economic policy.
The negotiations to form a new government are expected to be complex and challenging. The PAM's need to secure an alliance with other parties has raised questions about the potential for a new government. The party's openness to negotiations has been seen as a positive step, but the outcome remains uncertain.
The implications of the election results extend beyond the formation of a new government. The low voter turnout, which was reported at 38.08%, has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the new government. The elections have also highlighted the need for reforms to strengthen the country's democratic institutions.
Key points
- The PAM's 97 seats are insufficient to form a government, necessitating negotiations with other parties.
- The party's openness to forming an alliance with other parties has sparked speculation about potential alliances.
- Tensions between the PAM and RNI have been reported, adding complexity to the negotiations.
