Morocco's Political Landscape Shifts with New Elections
As the political climate in Morocco evolves, the newly elected government led by the 'Authenticity and Modernity' (PAM) party is poised to encounter significant opposition, a stark contrast to the previous administration under Aziz Akhannouch. This change is largely attributed to the growing concerns over various social and economic issues that resonate across the parliamentary spectrum. These issues span a wide array of topics, from purchasing power and social policy to education and employment, thereby uniting different factions within the parliamentary opposition. Observers note that the 'honeymoon' period enjoyed by Akhannouch's government over the past five years is now a thing of the past. Regardless of the configuration of the next government and the parties that comprise its majority, it is expected to confront a formidable opposition that is more organized and vocal than in previous legislative sessions.
Election Results Reflect a Shift in Power Dynamics
The Moroccan Interior Ministry has confirmed the final results of the parliamentary elections held on September 23, 2026, which align with preliminary findings. The PAM party emerged as the frontrunner, securing 97 seats, followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 66 seats, and the Istiqlal party with 65 seats. Meanwhile, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) made a notable comeback in the House of Representatives with 54 seats. Other parties such as the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) and the Progress and Socialism Party (PPS) garnered 26 and 19 seats, respectively, while the Left Alliance, consisting of the Democratic Left Federation and the Unified Socialist Party, claimed 8 seats.
These results depict a transformed parliamentary landscape, characterized by a diminished margin of maneuver for the ruling majority and a marked increase in the presence of opposition forces, notably the PJD. The three parties that formed the previous government—PAM, RNI, and Istiqlal—collectively hold 228 out of 395 seats, establishing a majority that surpasses the threshold for coalition governance. However, this is a decrease from the approximately 268 seats they held at the end of the last legislative session.
On the other side, the combined seats of the PJD, Popular Movement, USFP, PPS, and Left Alliance total 136, which could rise to 153 if the Constitutional Union, with its 17 seats, opts to join the opposition. However, this scenario seems unlikely considering its alliance with the Democratic Social Movement party, which secured 8 seats, aimed at forming a cohesive parliamentary group.
It is critical to note that the existence of an opposition does not necessarily imply a unified political bloc. The differences among its constituents are significant, and the left itself is represented by various independent party experiences. The Left Alliance does not include the USFP or PPS, which contested the elections independently. Nonetheless, coordination on specific issues, particularly those related to social and economic matters, purchasing power, education, and employment, appears feasible, potentially proving more pragmatic than pursuing a comprehensive political alliance.
Political sociologist Abdelhadi Mzarari interprets this shift as the PJD’s swift decision to position itself in opposition, even before the appointment of the new prime minister from the leading party. He cites that PJD Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane explicitly stated his personal belief against joining a government led by PAM immediately following the announcement of initial results. This sentiment was affirmed when the party’s national council confirmed its opposition stance.
Mzarari attributes this decision to several factors, including the contrasting political ideologies of the two parties, with the PJD being classified within the Islamic political stream and PAM presenting itself as a modernist party. Historically, the political relationship between the two has been marked by intense competition, complicating the prospects of their collaboration within a single government.
He further notes that the PJD’s electoral outcome represents a strong rebound compared to the 2021 elections, providing it with the impetus to maintain its opposition role and sustain its political presence among its base. The presence of the PJD in opposition, alongside other parties whose positions will become clearer as government formation talks proceed, could herald a 'parliamentary awakening.' This renewed vigor could restore some of the parliament's roles in oversight and political discourse.
Mzarari suggests that a robust opposition within parliament could compel the government to be more proactive, responsive, and accountable, rather than operating in an environment where the majority enjoys considerable leeway without strong parliamentary oversight. The PJD emerges as a significant player in this scenario, having increased from a mere 13 seats in the 2021 elections to 54 in the current round, establishing itself as the largest representation among opposition components. Alongside it, the Popular Movement adds political weight with its 29 seats, while the USFP, PPS, and Left Alliance maintain a leftist presence in the parliament.
In summary, the results of the 2026 elections signify not merely a shift in the opposition's position to a point where it can form an alternative majority, but rather the end of the previously comfortable parliamentary dominance. The upcoming majority, if formed by a three-party coalition, will still possess numerical strength, yet it will face a larger, more diverse opposition capable of coordinating on various issues. This evolving dynamic suggests that the new legislative period may become more competitive, with increased importance placed on negotiations among parliamentary groups and a heightened role for political oversight committees. The challenge for the opposition will not only be to maintain its seat count but also to translate this numerical strength into a cohesive political presence within parliament. Ultimately, a fundamental shift appears to have occurred, indicating that the incoming government will not navigate the parliamentary landscape with the same ease that characterized previous years.
As reported by alquds.co.uk.
