Morocco's 2026 legislative elections saw a significant upset in the Midelt province, where Oussama Barik, a 28-year-old content creator, won a seat in the House of Representatives. Barik, whose real name is Abdelaziz Barik, ran under the Party of Unity and Democracy (PUD) and defeated one of Midelt's established political families. His rise to prominence began on social media, where he posted videos about daily life in remote villages in the southeast.
Born on May 15, 1998, in Imilchil, Midelt province, Barik grew up in a rural area and walked nearly 15 kilometers to reach his school as a child. He later studied geography at university, focusing on territories, spatial disparities, and development. His online content highlighted the challenges faced by residents in these areas, including poverty, scarce resources, and weak health and education services.
Barik's online presence eventually caught the attention of national media, and he appeared on the program "Bidoun Loughat Khachab" on Med Radio in July. His name was also featured in discussions around Imilchil, where he followed protests over infrastructure, isolation, and basic services. Despite some criticism that he was chasing attention, Barik remained committed to his campaign and took his message to the villages and streets of Midelt.
Barik's campaign was marked by a strong response from residents, with visible turnout at polling stations and lines forming to cast votes. His main rival, Marouane Chabaatou, a member of the National Rally of Independents (RNI) political bureau, had switched to the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM) in late August. The Chabaatou family had long held influence in Midelt, but Barik's win shattered the cultural certainty that the power of notables cannot be beaten at the ballot box.
Provisional figures released after 80% of ballots were counted showed Barik leading with 21.19% of the vote, followed by Rachid Alaoui Taibi of the Popular Movement (MP) with 11.93%, and Chabaatou coming third with 8.94%. One report put Barik's tally at 32,684 votes, giving the PUD its first parliamentary seat in its history. The win marked a significant shift in Moroccan politics, as voters placed their trust in a young man from the peaks rather than the party machines that had long held the seat.
The Party of Unity and Democracy's secretary general, Abdelmalek Dahchour, credited social media with raising Barik's profile and noted that the party's candidates ran under financial strain. The funding allocated for the campaign had not reached the party, forcing it to rely on borrowing and personal contributions. Barik's path now moves from the screen to institutional work, with the challenge of converting his online following into results on the ground.
As Barik takes his seat in the House of Representatives, he faces the challenge of representation and delivering on his campaign promises. His win has been seen as a significant upset in Moroccan politics, and his ability to mobilize support through social media has raised questions about the role of online platforms in shaping the country's political landscape. Key points:
Key points
- Oussama Barik, a 28-year-old content creator, won a seat in Morocco's House of Representatives, defeating an established family in the Midelt province.
- Barik's rise to prominence began on social media, where he posted videos about daily life in remote villages in the southeast.
- The win marked a significant shift in Moroccan politics, as voters placed their trust in a young man from the peaks rather than the party machines that had long held the seat.
