Moroccan Youth Question the Purpose of Elections Amid Discontent
As Morocco prepares for its legislative elections, scheduled for Wednesday, the sentiment among the youth is one of disillusionment and skepticism regarding the electoral process. This follows a tumultuous year marked by the protests of the "GenZ 212" movement and a significant wave of migration towards the Spanish enclave of Ceuta. Many young Moroccans are questioning the capacity of the upcoming elections to enhance their living conditions, as they grapple with a lack of faith in the political system and its ability to address their pressing concerns.
The elections will renew all 395 seats in the Moroccan Parliament for a five-year term and result in the appointment of a new Prime Minister by King Mohammed VI, based on the party that secures the most seats. The current Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, who has been in office since 2021, announced earlier this year that he would not seek re-election. His administration has faced considerable criticism from the youth, who have vocalized their frustrations over public service failures, particularly in health and education, and the government’s prioritization of large-scale projects such as preparations for the 2030 World Cup over immediate social needs.
In a country where youth engagement in electoral processes is low, the participation of young voters is crucial. Approximately 2.9 million young Moroccans fall into the NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) category, which poses a significant challenge for the upcoming elections. This demographic's lack of faith in the political landscape reflects broader societal issues that need to be addressed to foster trust and engagement in the electoral process.
As reported by lesechos.fr.
