Moroccan Elections: A Crossroads for the Youth and Economic Reform
As Morocco prepares for a pivotal parliamentary election scheduled for Wednesday, the electorate is preoccupied with pressing issues such as job creation, improved wages, and the reduction of inequality. Voters are yearning for significant improvements in essential services, including housing, healthcare, and education, all of which are critical for fostering a more equitable society. This election comes at a time when the nation is poised to receive substantial investments, particularly as it gears up to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, leading some to dub the incoming government as the 'World Cup government.' This scenario raises expectations that a figure from the sports industry might ascend to the role of prime minister.
The incoming leadership will be under immense pressure to address daily concerns faced by Moroccan citizens, all while navigating a political landscape heavily influenced by a monarchy that retains significant power over strategic decisions. This will be the first parliamentary election since a wave of protests led by the younger generation erupted nearly a year ago, following tragic events related to mass border crossings into Spanish territories, which resulted in numerous fatalities.
Economic Growth Amid Job Scarcity and Political Promises
Although Morocco's economy is experiencing growth and attracting foreign investment, the reality for many citizens remains stark; job opportunities are limited, and over 12.7% of the population lives in relative poverty. The nation has become a favored destination for tourists from around the globe, yet the benefits of economic development are not evenly distributed. Politicians are well aware of these grievances, as many have made bold promises in their campaign platforms. Nevertheless, the youth, a demographic particularly hard hit by unemployment, are skeptical, having heard similar pledges in previous elections.
In total, 7,288 candidates from 27 political parties are vying for 395 parliamentary seats. The RNI party, a member of the current governing coalition, has committed to a minimum monthly wage of 5,000 dirham ($525) and aims to generate 1 million new jobs. Similarly, the PAM party has proposed exempting salaries below 15,000 dirham ($1,575) from taxation and has pledged to provide 100,000 housing units specifically for youth. Meanwhile, the Istiqlal Party seeks to expedite treatment at public hospitals, and the left-wing opposition party, PPS, aims to significantly reduce the school dropout rate while enhancing anti-corruption measures. Furthermore, the moderate Islamist PJD party is focused on addressing economic disparities between major urban centers like Casablanca and other regions.
As the election draws nearer, speculation about who will become the next prime minister is rife. Morocco’s constitution mandates that the king appoint the prime minister from the party that performs best in the elections. Given that no single party is anticipated to achieve an outright majority, coalition-building will be essential. Key government roles, particularly in defense and foreign affairs, are traditionally retained under royal oversight, and the king's closest advisers typically dictate the government's broader policy agenda. This has led to discussions about potential candidates, including Faouzi Lakjaa, the president of Morocco’s soccer federation, who has recently aligned himself with the PAM party. Another potential candidate is Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, the mayor of Marrakech, who could make history as Morocco’s first female prime minister if her party wins. Other notable figures include Nizar Baraka, a former minister of water, and former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, who is seeking a comeback after a significant electoral defeat in 2021.
However, the youth of Morocco express a mix of frustration and disillusionment as they approach the polls. With youth unemployment soaring to 37% in 2025 and millions of young people disengaged from education or work, many have opted for protests or attempts to flee the country over participating in traditional politics. Individuals like Ayoub Lasli, who attempted to swim to Ceuta in search of better job prospects, have voiced their disinterest in the electoral process, stating, "I don’t care about politics and elections, and I don’t want to care." In contrast, others, like 23-year-old Ayoub Belaidi, hold onto a glimmer of hope that their voices might influence change through voting, emphasizing that electoral participation should aim to enhance the lives of Moroccan youth.
Yet, voter turnout remains a significant challenge, with only 15.8 million of the 26.7 million eligible voters registered. This marks a concerning decline of 9.7% in registered voters since the 2021 elections, despite the population growth. Consequently, while public engagement with the electoral process is critical, observers anticipate low participation rates, which serve as a vital indicator of citizens' connection to the state and its governance.
As reported by wral.com.
