Election Results and Youth Participation
The recent legislative elections in Morocco, held on a Wednesday, saw the ruling coalition of three parties emerge victorious. However, the elections were characterized by an alarmingly low voter turnout of just 38%, marking the lowest participation rate in nearly two decades. A significant factor contributing to this lack of engagement was the high level of abstention among young voters, a trend that has raised concerns about the political apathy of the younger generation. This electoral process occurred less than two months following a migration crisis in Ceuta, where a significant influx of migrants, predominantly Moroccans, highlighted the bleak prospects faced by many young people in the kingdom. Despite Morocco's sustained economic growth and ambitious projects in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal, the disillusionment among the youth remains palpable.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has officially secured 97 out of 395 seats in the House of Representatives, as confirmed in the early morning hours of Thursday. Although the PAM did not achieve an absolute majority, it is expected to form a new alliance with other parties, with the future Prime Minister likely to be drawn from its ranks. This political maneuvering will be crucial as the coalition seeks to stabilize governance in the face of rising challenges.
Political Landscape and Future Prospects
The formation of a new coalition government will be in the hands of King Mohammed VI, who holds the authority to appoint the individual tasked with leading this coalition for the next five years. While the king retains significant control over strategic sector directions, speculation is rife regarding potential candidates. Among the prominent names is Fouzi Lekjaa, the current Minister of Budget and President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Another potential candidate is Fatima Ezzahra Mansouri, the Minister of Territorial Planning and Mayor of Marrakech, who is being touted as a possible first female head of government in Moroccan history.
During its campaign, the PAM promised an average annual growth rate of 5%, while the inflation rate is projected to be maintained at 2%. Additionally, the party has pledged to create at least one million jobs throughout its term. Established in 2008 by Fouad Ali El Himma, a close advisor to the king, the PAM was created as a counterbalance to the Islamist parties. However, El Himma distanced himself from the party amid the Arab Spring, as critics accused him of seeking to cement the party's dominance over Moroccan political life.
Following closely behind PAM, the National Rally of Independents (RNI), led by current Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, secured 66 seats, a loss of approximately thirty seats compared to the previous 2021 elections. The Istiqlal Party, also part of the current coalition, finished third with 65 seats. Notably, the Justice and Development Party (PJD), the main opposition Islamist party, experienced a remarkable resurgence, increasing its representation from 13 to 54 seats. This significant gain reflects the party's focus on combating corruption and addressing pressing socio-economic issues.
In response to the election results, the PJD's leader, former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, raised concerns about alleged irregularities during the voting process, although authorities have yet to respond to these claims. The PJD's campaign emphasized enhancing purchasing power, youth employment, and improving public services such as healthcare, which resonate deeply with the electorate, particularly in light of the events surrounding the migration crisis in Ceuta and the emergence of the GenZ 212 movement.
The GenZ 212 collective, born out of social media activism, initially mobilized around the shortcomings of public health and education systems before losing momentum. This group's direct appeal to the king and its criticism of Prime Minister Akhannouch underscore the growing distrust among young Moroccans towards the political elite. The slogan that echoed during last year’s protests, "We want hospitals, not just stadiums," reflects the sentiments of a generation that feels neglected amid the kingdom's extensive infrastructure projects, which include new stadiums and high-speed rail expansions. Despite these developments, significant social and regional disparities persist, with high youth unemployment remaining a critical issue, prompting even King Mohammed VI to criticize the country's uneven development.
As reported by rts.ch.
