In a significant political event, nearly 16 million Moroccans have registered to participate in the election of 395 members of the House of Representatives. However, a crucial aspect of this election will be the voter turnout, which is anticipated to be a critical indicator of public sentiment, especially considering the pervasive sense of disillusionment among voters, particularly the youth demographic. Despite only four percent of registered voters being aged between 18 to 24, issues that resonate with young people have taken center stage. This is particularly evident in light of recent events, such as the mass influx of young Moroccans into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, coupled with last year’s protests led by Generation Z that demanded reforms in health and education.
Key concerns such as rising unemployment, escalating prices, and social inequality have dominated campaign messaging, with various political parties striving to engage voters more effectively. As of noon on election day, official figures indicated a national turnout rate of merely 11.3 percent, with polling stations set to close at 7:00 PM. On the campaign trail, many parties have emphasized their commitments to enhancing the quality of life in Morocco. However, a considerable segment of the population, including many older voters, expressed their reluctance to participate in the electoral process. For instance, Majda Bakatir, a 59-year-old voter, voiced her frustration, stating, "I'm not going to vote because I have lost all faith in the political class." She emphasized the disregard politicians seem to have for pressing issues regarding healthcare, education, and economic stability.
On the contrary, some voters, like 55-year-old Karim Ennaciri, chose to cast their ballots in the hopes that the elections would facilitate meaningful change. "This will allow us to see if there's a renewal within the parties," he remarked. The election process commenced at 8:00 AM, with preliminary results anticipated to be revealed overnight. In Morocco, the king appoints the prime minister from the party that secures the most seats, who then forms a government for a term of five years, although the monarch retains significant authority over major policy decisions.
Political Landscape: RNI vs. PAM
Under Morocco's electoral law, opinion polls are prohibited; nevertheless, observers speculate that the National Rally of Independents (RNI), which currently leads the governing coalition, is among the frontrunners in this election. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch spearheaded his party's campaign, although he has stepped down from the RNI leadership, thereby excluding himself from potentially heading the next government should his party win the majority of seats. At a recent rally, he highlighted the government’s accomplishments, stating, "We carried out reforms in education and health; we increased salaries... we were there when Moroccans needed us." Nevertheless, Akhannouch has faced persistent accusations concerning conflicts of interest linked to his company, Afriquia, a leading fuel distributor in Morocco. Furthermore, he encountered widespread calls for his resignation during the youth-led protests.
The RNI's primary competitor is the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), both of which are center-right parties with similar ideological foundations and historical ties to the royal palace. The PAM has recently enlisted Budget Minister Fouzi Lekjaa, who is widely recognized for his leadership role within the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Lekjaa has expressed a commitment to empowering the youth, stating, "We want to make young people a force capable of bringing added value rather than being left behind," while advocating for increased wages and improved purchasing power. However, the PAM currently lacks a definitive leader, with another notable figure being Fatima Ezzahra Mansouri, the minister for territorial planning and mayor of Marrakesh, who could potentially become Morocco's first female prime minister.
Compounding the challenges faced by PAM, the party has been embroiled in a corruption scandal, resulting in lengthy prison sentences for two senior members due to their involvement in a significant drug-trafficking case. Additionally, the right-wing Istiqlal party, led by equipment minister Nizar Baraka, has positioned its campaign around pressing social issues. Meanwhile, the Islamist opposition’s Justice and Development Party has centered its campaign on anti-corruption measures, with former prime minister Abdelilah Benkirane advocating against women's rights to equal inheritance and the decriminalization of consensual extramarital relations.
As reported by france24.com.
