Morocco's Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced preliminary data showing high voter turnout in the country's southern provinces during a press conference. Laftit stated that Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra recorded a turnout of 77%, Guelmim-Oued Noun at 53.48%, and Dakhla-Oued Eddahab at 61%. The minister emphasized that these results reflect the population's attachment to the southern provinces and Morocco's territorial integrity.
According to Laftit, the overall turnout rate across Morocco reached 38%. He noted that the elections proceeded normally, with some minor incidents reported at polling stations. The minister's announcement came at 3:30 a.m., indicating a swift release of preliminary data. This prompt release suggests that the electoral process was well-organized, allowing for efficient counting and reporting of votes.
The preliminary data also revealed that the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) took the lead in the legislative elections with 97 seats. The National Rally of Independents (RNI) followed with 66 seats, the Istiqlal Party with 65 seats, and the Justice and Development Party (PJD) with 54 seats. These results provide insight into the current political landscape in Morocco.
Prior to the announcement, expectations were high that the PJD might lead the electoral process, given its leaders' claims of strong performance in key regions. However, the party ultimately secured a significant but not leading number of seats. In contrast, the RNI performed better than anticipated, coming in second and defying expectations that it might not even secure a top-three position.
The PJD's performance marks an improvement from the 2021 elections, where it secured only 13 seats. The party's leader, Benkirane, will likely assess these results and determine whether they meet his expectations. The outcome may influence the party's future strategies and its role in Moroccan politics.
The elections in Morocco's southern provinces were closely watched, given the region's significance to the country's territorial integrity. The high voter turnout in these areas demonstrates the population's engagement with the electoral process and their interest in shaping the region's future.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether new data will alter the current ranking of parties. However, the preliminary results provide a clear indication of the current state of Moroccan politics and the popularity of various parties.
Key points
- The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) leads the legislative elections with 97 seats.
- The southern provinces of Morocco record high voter turnout, with Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra at 77%.
- The Justice and Development Party (PJD) sees a significant improvement from the 2021 elections, securing 54 seats.
