Historic Victory for Morocco's PAM in Recent Elections
In a significant political development, Morocco's Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has emerged victorious in the latest parliamentary elections, securing 97 out of 395 seats in the House of Representatives, as confirmed by the Interior Ministry. This outcome, announced on September 25, 2026, reflects the party's continued influence in Moroccan politics, despite falling short of an absolute majority. Founded by a close royal adviser to King Mohammed VI, PAM must now negotiate with other parties to establish a governing coalition, a task that presents both challenges and opportunities in a politically dynamic environment.
The election comes on the heels of rising discontent among the youth, characterized by high unemployment rates and pressing demands for improved public services, including education, healthcare, and housing. This election marks the first since the tragic migration attempts to Ceuta and the protests led by Gen Z last year, highlighting a critical moment in Moroccan democracy.
Political Landscape and Future Implications
The new government faces the daunting responsibility of managing billions in investments as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup. This has led some analysts to label the incoming administration as the "World Cup government," emphasizing the need for effective governance that addresses everyday concerns such as employment, wages, and the rising cost of living. Despite a tumultuous backdrop, including a drug trafficking scandal involving several PAM members, the party has managed to increase its seat count compared to the previous election.
The results also indicate a setback for the National Rally of Independents (RNI), part of the outgoing coalition, which suffered significant losses, capturing only 66 seats. In contrast, the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) showed a remarkable turnaround, increasing its representation to 54 seats. PAM has indicated that it will likely seek alliances with smaller parties, paving the way for a potential coalition that excludes RNI, while a partnership with PJD remains unlikely due to their long-standing rivalry.
The Moroccan Constitution mandates that the king appoint a prime minister from the winning party, with possible candidates including Fouzi Lakjaa, the president of Morocco's soccer federation, and Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, the mayor of Marrakech. Should Mansouri be appointed, she would become Morocco's first female prime minister, signaling a progressive shift in the political landscape. Voter turnout in this election was notably low, with only 38% of registered voters participating, raising questions about public engagement in the democratic process.
As reported by panow.com.
