Morocco’s PJD: what has the party learned from its dramatic fall | Elections News
Morocco’s Justice and Development Party Faces Challenges Following Electoral Defeat
The Justice and Development Party (PJD) of Morocco experienced a significant political reversal in the September 2021 elections, dropping from 125 seats to just 13 in Parliament. This decline marks a dramatic shift for a party that was once the main political beneficiary of the country’s reforms following the 2011 protests advocating for greater accountability and responsive governance.
In the November 2011 elections, the PJD secured 107 of the 395 parliamentary seats, catapulting its leader, Abdelilah Benkirane, to the position of head of government. Subsequent constitutional changes that year expanded the formal powers of Parliament and government, while the monarchy maintained considerable authority, including the appointment of the head of government from the majority party in the House of Representatives.
The party gained momentum in the 2016 elections, increasing its seat count to 125. However, Benkirane faced challenges in forming a governing coalition, leading King Mohammed VI to appoint Saadeddine Othmani as his successor in March 2017. The PJD remained in government until its substantial electoral loss four years later, when it fell to only 13 seats.
Reflecting on its defeat, the PJD is re-evaluating its strategies and leadership. A recent analysis by Al Jazeera Studies described Benkirane as a political “brand” whose longstanding public presence and direct communication style may serve as electoral assets for the party. The PJD aims to leverage this visibility to rebuild its support.
The party’s roadmap toward recovery is encapsulated in its 2026 programme, which outlines 467 measures across five focus areas: identity and family, political and institutional reform, public services and social protection, economy and employment, and foreign policy. Notable commitments include enhancing transparency in public procurement and addressing issues related to housing, healthcare, and social protection.
Saad al-Sabahi, a member of the PJD’s regional secretariat, emphasized that the proposed measures were developed through extensive research and community consultation, highlighting the need for political participation and accountability.
In the aftermath of its electoral collapse, the PJD acknowledges the necessity of internal reorganization and a critical assessment of its previous governance. Al-Sabahi noted that the party had emerged from its crisis through congresses aimed at renewal and restructuring.
The party’s analysis also points to external factors, alleging attempts to undermine democratic processes and instances of electoral corruption. However, the extent of these claims has not been independently verified.
The PJD is particularly focused on engaging younger voters. Imane Traifi, a representative of the PJD Youth, stressed the importance of creating continuous opportunities for young people to participate in political life beyond election cycles.
As the PJD prepares for future elections, it faces the challenge of not only outlining what it seeks to change but also addressing the complexities of implementing those changes within Morocco’s political framework. The party maintains a distinct position regarding its relationship with the monarchy, supporting its central role in state governance while advocating for the democratic agencies to fulfill their responsibilities.
Benkirane has previously referenced “ghosts and crocodiles” to describe the unseen forces that obstructed his government’s agenda. This metaphor raises questions about whether the PJD has gained a deeper understanding of the limitations of its authority amid a shifting political landscape.
Moving forward, the PJD aims to restore the gains and dignity of Moroccan citizens disrupted by recent political turbulence. Party officials assert that rebuilding trust, especially among the youth, will require ongoing engagement and the creation of meaningful avenues for participation.
The PJD’s journey ahead encompasses not only a recovery of parliamentary seats but also a commitment to demonstrate what it has learned from the past and how it plans to effectively address the needs of its constituents moving forward.
