As Morocco approaches a critical parliamentary election, a significant portion of power remains firmly in the hands of the monarchy, leading to a pervasive sense of disillusionment, particularly among the youth. Many young Moroccans are increasingly questioning their future prospects, prompting the government to express concerns about a possible low voter turnout.
The Moroccan Interior Ministry has utilized somewhat flowery language in a television campaign aimed at motivating citizens to participate in the elections slated for this Wednesday. The message emphasizes the importance of voting for the betterment of the nation and future generations, stating, "It is our time; if we want the best for ourselves and our children, we must vote and advocate for our homeland. Our voices can shape the future, fostering growth in our country, drop by drop." However, underlying this call to action is a growing sentiment among the populace that while they may support their country, they are increasingly disenchanted with its politics, leading to a reluctance to engage in the electoral process.
This discontent has become a focal point for Morocco's leading political parties as they navigate the current electoral landscape. Nizar Baraka, the Secretary-General of the conservative Istiqlal party, recently warned of the potential for a political environment akin to that of Algeria, where only a fifth of eligible voters participated in the recent elections. Baraka defended Morocco's democratic credentials, insisting that it is a nation of institutions where citizens believe in and wish to express their trust in the political system, highlighting the need to avoid Algeria's political pitfalls.
Declining Voter Registration
Despite these reassurances, the facts remain stark: this year, only 15.8 million voters have registered, a decline of two million from 2021 and representing just over half of the 28 million eligible voters. Furthermore, it remains uncertain how many of these registered voters will actually turn out to cast their ballots. The overarching reality is that the parliament possesses limited powers, with most significant decisions being made within the royal palace. Key ministerial positions, including those of foreign, interior, and religious affairs, are filled by the royal family, further diminishing the parliament's influence.
Women, representing merely 25% of parliamentarians, are underrepresented compared to their proportion of the population, which could further dampen enthusiasm for the elections. Soumaya Fikri, a 29-year-old teacher from Casablanca who offers language courses through Instagram, has over 160,000 followers and is in touch with many young individuals. She observes a growing political apathy among young voters, expressing disappointment in the predominantly older male political leadership, which she believes is detached from the realities and needs of the younger generation.
Several factors contribute to this mistrust. For instance, approximately 30 of the 395 parliament members faced corruption and criminal proceedings during the last legislative term, exacerbating feelings of social injustice. According to Anja Hoffmann, head of the Heinrich Böll Foundation in Rabat, wealth in Morocco remains unevenly distributed. While the previous generation experienced social progress, today's youth face a paralyzing sense of hopelessness. The gap between the rich and poor continues to widen, particularly stark when comparing rural and urban living conditions, a disparity that disproportionately affects the youth and women who have gained little from economic growth.
A Generational Shift on the Horizon
Despite a booming construction sector and impressive economic growth rates of four to five percent, young people are struggling, with youth unemployment exceeding 30%. The promise of progress and prosperity that once led to improvements in living conditions for many is increasingly seen as unachievable. Soumaya Fikri echoes this sentiment, stating that young people have come to realize that they can no longer rely on the state or politics to shape their future. She highlights the harsh reality that even those with advanced degrees often find themselves without guaranteed job security or a decent standard of living.
Both the protests from Generation Z in 2025 and the recent migration tragedy in Ceuta in July have been interpreted by experts as indicators of the youth's dwindling faith in the future promises made by Moroccan politics. This election sees 28 parties vying for influence, spanning the political spectrum from left to right, including Islamists. However, many observers, including renowned political scientist Mohamed Tozy, criticize this political class as predominantly elderly and lacking trust among the youth. He notes that political engagement among young people is minimal, and the offerings from the political sphere fail to excite or inspire them.
As the elections loom, the political landscape will see a change in leadership, as the current Prime Minister, billionaire Aziz Akhennouch of the liberal National Rally of Independents (RNI), will not seek re-election. Speculations suggest that he may be succeeded by Fouzi Lekjaa, the head of the Moroccan Football Federation and a prominent figure in the country's football success. Although Lekjaa does not intend to run for parliament, he could still assume the role of prime minister. Recently, he joined the Party of Authenticity and Modernity (PAM), which forms a coalition with RNI and Istiqlal. Despite their differing platforms, they face a common challenge in the form of youth disillusionment.
Like other parties, PAM has made bold promises to the youth, including the creation of one million new jobs and 500,000 contracts specifically for young individuals. Lekjaa’s successful track record in football administration lends him a degree of credibility, and he could play a pivotal role in overseeing Morocco's co-hosting of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. In an interview, he emphasized that the associated investments would help fulfill electoral promises made to the youth, stating, "Morocco did not wait for the World Cup to initiate its major investment projects; however, we have prioritized some of them due to this opportunity. This will stimulate growth, generate employment, and accelerate youth engagement." Yet, skepticism remains regarding whether the next government will truly deliver on its promises, and whether voters will overcome their doubts and participate in the elections remains to be seen.
As reported by tagesschau.de.
