Political parties in Morocco have embarked on an aggressive campaign using social media to promote their agendas and engage nearly 16 million registered voters, with women constituting 46% of this demographic. These voters will determine the composition of the 395 representatives in the House of Representatives. The campaign is set against a backdrop of significant social and territorial inequalities, which have become critical issues in a nation where unemployment severely impacts the youth. Even King Mohammed VI has criticized the "two-speed" development model that plagues the country.
One of the pressing issues that has resurfaced in recent months is the influx of tens of thousands of migrants, predominantly Moroccans, to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, a situation that has reignited discussions about social grievances among the younger generation. The GenZ 212 collective, celebrating its first anniversary just four days post-election, has been a vocal advocate for the discontent felt by Moroccan youth. This demographic, particularly those aged 18-24, represents a mere 3% of registered voters, indicating a troubling trend of electoral disengagement among the younger population.
The Justice and Development Party (PJD), led by former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, aims to leverage these frustrations to regain political ground after its significant losses in the 2021 elections. The party has made the fight against corruption a central theme of its campaign, seeking to resonate with voters who feel disenchanted with the political status quo. Even before the official campaign launch, political parties have inundated the electorate with extravagant financial promises aimed at winning over confused voters who often see similar proposals across different platforms. Reports indicate that while candidates present enticing social and economic commitments, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the funding mechanisms for these promises.
Political analyst Abdellah Tourabi has lamented the absence of genuine political debates during this campaign, suggesting that the electoral process has been stripped of essential ideological confrontations and has devolved into a mere contest among notable figures. In Morocco, the Prime Minister is typically drawn from the party that secures the most seats in the legislative elections, a position appointed by the king, who retains significant control over key policy directions.
Among the major parties competing in the elections, the National Rally of Independents (RNI) aspires to maintain its position at the top of the political hierarchy, having secured the highest number of votes in 2021, and aims for a second consecutive term in government despite the recent withdrawal of Aziz Akhannouch from the party's leadership. This election serves as a critical evaluation of the RNI's five-year tenure under the affluent businessman and current Prime Minister.
Additionally, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), founded in 2008 by royal advisor Fouad Ali El Himma, stands as a formidable competitor to the RNI. One of its prominent figures, Fouzi Lekjaa, who serves as the Minister of Budget and the president of the Moroccan Royal Football Federation, has seen his political stature rise amid preparations for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco is co-hosting with Spain and Portugal. The historic Istiqlal Party also aims for the top position and seeks to distinguish itself in a political landscape largely characterized by the rivalry between the RNI and PAM.
As reported by france24.com.
