Morocco’s 2026 election: A test of political trust and engagement | Elections News
Rabat, Morocco – The parliamentary election campaign in Morocco officially commenced on September 10, as 27 political parties vie for 395 seats in the House of Representatives. With over 15.8 million voters registered for the election scheduled for September 23, the outcome will significantly influence the composition of Parliament and play a crucial role in the formation of the next government.
In addition to the competitive atmosphere among political parties, this election poses a fundamental question: Do citizens believe the political system can effectively address the challenges they face in their daily lives?
This question is particularly salient for younger Moroccans. A survey conducted by Afrobarometer in March indicated that approximately one-third of Moroccans aged 18 to 35 expressed trust in the Parliament, the head of government, and political parties. Despite this skepticism, the same demographic demonstrates higher rates of political engagement, including posting political content on social media and participating in demonstrations.
Nonetheless, this engagement does not necessarily equate to support for traditional electoral politics. The more pressing concern is whether young citizens view voting as a viable means of tackling their issues.
An Election Within a Distinctive System
Morocco’s electoral process is framed by the constitutional arrangement established in 2011, which designates the country as a constitutional, democratic, parliamentary, and social monarchy. This constitution delineates the separation and balance of powers while retaining the monarchy’s significant role in governance.
According to Article 47, the king is responsible for appointing the head of government from the political party that secures the most seats in the House of Representatives. The king also presides over the Council of Ministers, while the government wields executive power and Parliament conducts legislative and oversight functions.
As such, although winning the largest number of seats is critical for government formation, it does not entirely dictate the distribution of political power.
A Younger Electorate, an Older Political System
The demographic composition of the electorate amplifies the question of political engagement. Official statistics show that voters aged 18 to 24 represent 4 percent of registered voters, while those aged 60 and older comprise 29 percent. These figures reveal a significant skew towards older constituents within the electorate.
Compounding this issue is the youth unemployment crisis. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported an overall unemployment rate of 13 percent in 2025, with nearly 37.3 percent of individuals aged 15 to 24 affected. Additionally, 25.2 percent of youth were categorized as neither employed nor engaged in education or training during the third quarter of 2025. The IMF highlighted issues such as skills mismatches, limited dynamism in the private sector, and marked gender disparities in labor market participation.
For young people facing obstacles in entering the job market, promises of economic growth and job creation resonate beyond political rhetoric and become critical assessments of whether the political establishment can offer tangible opportunities.
When Economic Frustration Becomes Political
Such economic pressures have spilled over into broader social issues beyond formal electoral engagements. In late July, approximately 60,000 individuals crossed into the autonomous Spanish city of Ceuta from Morocco, marking the largest surge in recent history. This event, reported by Reuters, was attributed to economic hardship, social unrest, and misinformation circulated on social media, coupled with migration aspirations and misconceptions regarding Spanish legal rulings.
While this scenario may not directly reflect electoral sentiment or a single political cause, it underscores the intersection of economic discontent, migration desires, and perceived opportunities.
This dynamic adds a complex layer to the economic discourse surrounding the upcoming elections: the effectiveness of Morocco’s economic growth and major development initiatives in creating visible opportunities for young citizens.
Despite a robust economy, with the IMF estimating real GDP growth of 4.9 percent in 2025 and projecting 4.4 percent growth in 2026, high youth unemployment continues to pose a significant challenge, as strong economic growth has not translated into sufficient job opportunities.
What the Parties Are Promising
Employment and purchasing power are central themes in the platforms of the three parties that have formed the governing coalition since 2021: the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), and Istiqlal.
The RNI’s program for 2026-2031 includes a commitment to create one million jobs and gradually increase the minimum wage to 5,000 dirhams (approximately $530) per month. PAM has also pledged to generate one million jobs, estimating the cost of its five-year program at 350 billion dirhams ($37.1 billion). Istiqlal emphasizes purchasing power and public services, presenting proposals on healthcare, housing, employment, water management, and food security.
While their platforms differ in specifics, the consensus focus suggests a pressing shift in political prioritization toward employment, purchasing power, and essential public services.
The PJD Tries to Recover
The Justice and Development Party (PJD), led by former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, seeks to regain support after significant losses in the 2021 elections, where its representation plummeted from 125 seats to just 13. In that election, the RNI won 102 seats, followed by PAM with 87 and Istiqlal with 81, leading to the formation of the current governing coalition.
The PJD’s new program centers on five key areas and includes 467 measures addressing institutional, economic, social, and foreign policy issues. Unlike its competitors, the PJD’s approach highlights concrete reforms over extensive numerical targets, focusing on public services, employment, purchasing power, and institutional improvements.
The PJD’s return introduces renewed competition, as the governing coalition must defend its record while the PJD works to restore its electoral base.
What the Election Will Test
This election will serve as a litmus test for Morocco’s political system, gauging its ability to align an ambitious development agenda with the expectations of citizens seeking tangible benefits in their everyday lives.
For young Moroccans, low levels of trust in political institutions and a backdrop of high unemployment reflect the challenges facing traditional electoral frameworks. At a time when issues of employment and quality of life dominate party platforms, economic researcher Nouh El Harmouzi notes that addressing these challenges will require more than electoral promises.
“Morocco’s economic problems are fundamentally structural and cannot be resolved through short-term electoral promises,” he stated.
