Morocco's Legislative Elections: A Precarious Future for Young Voters

As Morocco gears up for its legislative elections on September 23, political parties are making bold promises, including a significant increase in the minimum wage. Both the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) and the National Rally of Independents (RNI), two of the kingdom's major political entities, have pledged to raise the minimum wage to 5,000 dirhams (approximately 450 euros), representing an increase of over 30%. However, many observers deem this proposal unrealistic and insufficient to address the profound economic challenges faced by young voters, who are particularly affected by precarious employment and underemployment.

In the bustling medina of Casablanca, a 30-year-old hairdresser named Mohammed shares his struggles living in cramped quarters with three other roommates. He laments, “I live as if I were still a student. My salary isn’t enough to even think about marriage or planning for the future.” The anticipated wage increase, he believes, will not alleviate the escalating cost of living and the stagnation of purchasing power, which has only grown by an average of 1.6% annually between 2012 and 2024, according to the High Commission for Planning. “With less than 1,000 euros, you cannot do anything in Casablanca. How can 450 euros suffice when it comes to rent and other basic needs?” he questions.

Disengagement from the Political Process

Mohammed is not alone in his disillusionment; many young individuals, like freelance videographer Hamza, express a deep sense of disconnect from the current political landscape. Hamza describes his financial instability, stating, “You might work a month and then have no income for four months. It’s not a stable way to live.” Furthermore, he admits to a lack of interest in the elections, feeling that the political offerings do not resonate with their real-life struggles. This sentiment is echoed in official statistics, which reveal that only 19% of eligible voters aged 18-34 are registered, a drop from 27% in the previous election cycle in 2021. The upcoming elections, therefore, may not see increased participation from the youth demographic, highlighting a broader issue of political engagement and trust in governmental promises.

As reported by rfi.fr.