Morocco’s centre-right Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has emerged as the largest party in the country’s parliamentary election, securing 97 of the 395 seats, provisional results from the Interior Ministry show.
The poll recorded a 38 percent participation rate, the weakest since 2007, reflecting growing public disinterest in politics amid concerns over unemployment, inequality and access to essential services.
About 16 million citizens were registered to participate, although only a small proportion of young Moroccans were among those eligible voters.
The National Rally of Independents (RNI), which leads the outgoing governing coalition, finished second with 66 seats, while the Istiqlal Party obtained 65.
The opposition Justice and Development Party won 54 seats.
The election followed months of public frustration, including a migration episode in which large numbers of young Moroccans attempted to enter Spain’s Ceuta enclave.
Youth participation remained particularly low, with people aged between 18 and 24 accounting for roughly four percent of registered voters.
In September 2025, a Gen-Z-led movement staged demonstrations calling for improvements in healthcare and education.
The latest participation figure was significantly below the 50 percent recorded in the 2021 election and only slightly above the 36.8 percent registered in 2007.
Some voters expressed deep disappointment with the political establishment.
Majda Bakatir, a 59-year-old resident of Rabat, told AFP that she had decided not to participate because she had lost confidence in politicians.
She cited concerns surrounding healthcare, schooling and the rising cost of living, while other voters said they hoped the ballot could produce a change in political leadership.
Despite public dissatisfaction, Morocco has continued to record economic expansion and invest heavily in infrastructure ahead of its planned co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
However, researchers have argued that the government’s sporting expenditure has intensified debate over whether national resources are being directed towards pressing social needs, particularly weak public services, rural development and job creation.
Under Morocco’s political system, the monarch appoints the prime minister from the party securing the largest number of parliamentary seats.
The appointed premier then forms a government for a five-year period, although King Mohammed VI maintains significant authority over key areas of governance.
Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who recently relinquished leadership of the RNI, defended his administration’s record during the campaign, highlighting measures involving education, healthcare and wages.
The businessman has faced criticism over alleged conflicts of interest linked to Afriquia, the country’s major fuel distributor.
He was also a prominent target of the youth demonstrations, with protesters demanding his departure.
PAM and the RNI share broadly similar political positions and were established by individuals associated with the royal establishment.
PAM also promoted Budget Minister Fouzi Lekjaa, who is widely recognised for leading the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
He campaigned on improving incomes and creating greater economic opportunities for younger citizens.
However, the party has itself been affected by a major corruption case.
Two senior PAM figures were sentenced in June to 10 and 12 years in prison over a drug-trafficking case involving a notorious criminal known as the “Escobar of the Sahara.”
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong