The people of Morocco went to the polls on Wednesday to elect 395 new representatives to the House of Representatives. These elections are taking place amid concerns about unemployment and social inequality, with some voters expressing worries about their lack of trust in the parties participating in this election.
Election Conditions and Challenges
Nearly 16 million Moroccans have registered for this election, but voter turnout is considered a key test, especially among young people who are facing disillusionment with the political system. Only 4 percent of registrants are between 18 and 24 years old, but issues concerning youth have gained attention, particularly following the recent migration of young Moroccans to the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and last year's Generation Z protest movement.
Promises and Criticisms
Job shortages, rising prices, and inequality have been among the main topics of electoral messages. While various parties have made promises to improve the quality of life in Morocco, many citizens, even among older generations, have decided not to vote. Mojdeh Bakhtiar, a 59-year-old woman in Rabat, stated: "I will not vote because I have lost trust in the entire political class."
In contrast, some, like Karim Ansari, 55, voted with hope for change in the elections. He said: "This will give us the opportunity to see if the parties renew themselves or not."
In this election, preliminary results will be announced soon after the polling stations close at 19:00. The Prime Minister of Morocco is appointed by the king from the party that wins the most seats, and the Prime Minister then forms a government for a five-year term. Meanwhile, the king retains primary control over major political decisions.
In this context, the National Rally of Independents (RNI), currently leading the ruling coalition, is recognized as one of the main competitors. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who leads the party campaign, has defended his government's performance and made further promises if re-elected.
The main rival party to the RNI is the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which has recently attracted popular figures like Fouad El Lajaa to its ranks. Additionally, the Istiqlal Party and the Justice and Development Party are also present as other competitors in this election.
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