Morocco to elect parliament with jobs, wages and inequality in focus

Morocco's citizens cast their votes on Wednesday, selecting a new parliament with jobs, wages and inequality as the primary concerns. Polls open at 08:00 am and close at 07:00 pm, with final results announced later in the evening. Nearly 16 million Moroccans have registered for the elections, with only 4% of eligible voters aged 18 to 24. The prime minister is chosen by the king from the party that secures the most seats. The monarch retains control over major policy decisions.

Election campaign centers on rising unemployment, higher prices, inequality and distrust of politicians. The National Rally of Independents (RNI) – the ruling coalition – is favored by observers. Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, from the RNI, has defended his government's achievements, including expanding social security coverage and raising salaries. However, he faces accusations of conflicts of interest related to his company, Afriquia.

The RNI's main rival, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), also promises to improve quality of life. The party has recruited popular figures like budget minister Fouzi Lekjaa, who pledges higher wages and better purchasing power. The PAM has also faced a corruption scandal involving two of its senior officials sentenced to 10 and 12 years in prison. Other parties, such as the left-wing Istiqlal party and the Islamist Justice and Development Party, focus on social issues and fighting corruption, respectively.