Moroccans went to the polls on Wednesday to elect the country’s next House of Representatives, with economic pressures, high prices and youth concerns shaping the election. The vote is the 12th legislative election since independence in 1956, with 27 political parties competing for 395 seats.
Nearly 16 million registered voters are eligible to cast their ballots. About 55% live in urban areas and 45% in rural regions. While King Mohammed VI will retain most executive powers, the new government will oversee several areas of public affairs. The king will appoint the head of government from the leading party, which will need the support of 198 deputies to secure parliamentary confidence.
Economic concerns remain central to the election. Mohammed Masbah, head of the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis, said the vote comes amid frustration over high prices, living costs and limited opportunities, particularly for young people.
“The upcoming elections will have special importance because they come in a context tied to a social and economic crisis, especially high prices and the cost of living on one hand,” Masbah said.
“On the other hand, there is a state of frustration among broad segments of society, especially the youth. The Gen Z protests last year, as well as the attempt to cross towards Ceuta a few weeks ago, demonstrate this crisis.”
A new financial system aimed at supporting candidates aged 35 could encourage youth participation. However, nearly 6 million Moroccans living overseas must appoint a proxy in Morocco to vote.
The 2030 World Cup is also driving major investment needs, while inflation and living costs remain key voter concerns.
“I believe the upcoming elections will produce a government majority whose primary function will be to address these imbalances, especially the economic ones related to the high cost of living in Morocco,” Masbah said.
“Regarding the issues that were raised and discussed by the majority of political parties, whether represented in the government or the opposition, they are the issue of employment and high prices.”
The National Rally of Independents and Authenticity and Modernity Party have highlighted jobs and prices in their campaigns. Masbah also pointed to tensions between the 2 leading government parties, including accusations of fund misuse and candidate poaching.
Despite the tense campaign, election-related complaints have fallen from 2021. New rules criminalise digital offences, including fake news and false allegations targeting candidates or voters. Digital violations accounted for 22 complaints.
Masbah expects turnout to remain relatively steady despite public frustration, citing the influence of local notables and traditional networks, particularly in rural areas.
“I expect that if there is a decline in the voting rate – and this is likely – it will not be catastrophic or a sharp decline, given the consideration I mentioned earlier, which is the focus on notables and traditional elites in winning over voters.”
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