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Morocco’s centre-right Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has emerged as the frontrunner in the country’s latest parliamentary elections, securing 97 of the 395 available seats. While the win positions PAM as the largest party in the legislature, the election was overshadowed by a historic drop in voter participation. Only 38% of eligible voters headed to the polls, marking the lowest turnout in nearly two decades and signaling deep-seated public apathy toward the North African nation’s political processes.
The National Rally of Independents (RNI) and the Istiqlal party trailed behind the PAM, winning 66 and 65 seats, respectively. Notably, the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party staged a significant recovery, clinching 54 seats after a dismal performance in the 2021 elections. Despite these shifts, no single party managed to reach the 198-seat threshold required for an absolute majority. This ensures that the next government will be formed through coalition negotiations, though a simple renewal of the previous PAM-RNI-Istiqlal alliance may be difficult following heavy criticism of their term in office.
The record-low turnout of 38% highlights a growing rift between the Moroccan electorate and its governing institutions. Disillusionment is particularly acute among the youth, many of whom express a profound lack of trust in the ability of political parties and public institutions to address systemic issues. Observers note that this low participation reflects a broader sentiment that the democratic process has yet to translate into tangible improvements in daily life, leading many citizens to opt out of the ballot box entirely.
Moving forward, the incoming administration faces a daunting array of economic and social hurdles. Beyond the immediate task of forming a stable coalition, the new leadership must prioritize reconnecting with a skeptical public and addressing high levels of youth unemployment and social discontent. Whether the next government can implement the reforms necessary to restore faith in Morocco’s parliamentary system remains the defining question of the post-election period.