Morocco holds parliamentary election as youth apathy and economic pressure dominate

Electoral setup and party competition

On Wednesday, 23 September, 15,801,162 registered Moroccan voters are called to the polls to elect 395 deputies in the House of Representatives for a five-year term. A total of 27 to 28 political parties, alongside independent candidate lists, are contesting the election, presenting over 7,200 candidates, of whom nearly 2,700 are women. The governing coalition led by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch's liberal National Rally of Independents (RNI), the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), and the conservative Istiqlal party is defending its legislative majority won in 2021. Rival groups, including the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), which suffered sharp losses in 2021 after leading the government since 2011, seek to challenge the incumbent executive's economic record. In their campaign platforms, both RNI and PAM have pledged to create roughly one million jobs and increase infrastructure spending ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

Youth disillusionment and economic strain

Economic pressure and high youth unemployment, estimated by Reuters at around 27%, have taken center stage in public debate, even as the formal campaign remains subdued. Young people between 18 and 24 years old account for approximately 12% of Morocco's population but make up only 3% to 4% of registered voters. An Afrobarometer survey published in March showed that only about one third of citizens aged 18 to 35 trust parliament, the prime minister, or political parties, while other recent surveys cited by Heinrich Böll Foundation Rabat office head Anja Hoffmann indicate that up to 70% of youth distrust elected bodies. Public frustration previously surfaced in September 2025 during Gen Z protests over the cost of living, healthcare, and unemployment, leading to more than 2,400 prosecutions.

Anja Hoffmann noted the subdued atmosphere surrounding the electoral process.

In the eyes of many people, there is obviously not much at stake.

Border tensions and the shadow of migration

Economic hardship has also coincided with migration pressures along the northern coastline. In late July, an estimated 60,000 to over 70,000 migrants attempted to cross from Fnideq beach into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, resulting in at least 100 deaths. In the run-up to the vote, Spanish and Moroccan authorities deployed strict security measures along the coastal cliffs of Fnideq and Ceuta following social media rumors of another mass crossing attempt. Some young activists involved in past demonstrations, including 29-year-old Hamza El Kharroubi from Tetouan, are contesting parliamentary seats under smaller tickets such as the Environment and Sustainable Development Party.

Hamza El Kharroubi explained his decision to run despite widespread cynicism among his peers.

As a young person, I don't have much hope. I joined this party because they wanted more Gen Z faces and they are allowing us to speak freely about our demands.

Constitutional role of the monarchy

While political parties compete for parliamentary seats, executive authority remains closely connected to the royal palace. Under the Moroccan constitution, King Mohammed VI appoints the prime minister from the political party that wins the most seats in the House of Representatives. The 63-year-old monarch also chairs the Council of Ministers, the country's primary policy-making organ. Polling stations across the country will remain open throughout Wednesday, with ballot counting expected to begin immediately after voting concludes to determine the distribution of the 395 legislative seats.