Morocco votes for new parliament amid hopes and concerns over cost of living
Hopes and concerns over jobs, wages, public services and cost of living dominate Morocco’s parliamentary election as the country prepares for the 2030 World Cup.
Moroccans cast their votes on Wednesday in a parliamentary election, influenced by rising concerns but also optimistic prospects stemming from Morocco’s robust economy. The upcoming government will oversee the preparations for the 2030 World Cup, a co-hosting event with Spain and Portugal, while addressing pressing issues like unemployment, low wages, housing, schools, and hospitals.
Election day ends at 7 pm local time (9 pm CEST), allowing nearly 16 million registered voters to select from 7,288 candidates representing 28 parties, alliances, or two independent lists. The vote will determine the next prime minister and the composition of the government, which will operate under the guidance of Morocco’s monarchy.
Morocco’s constitution mandates the king to appoint the prime minister from the party with the most votes. However, as no single party is expected to secure an absolute majority, the winner will need to form a coalition government. The king traditionally retains key positions like defense and foreign affairs.
Economically, Morocco is thriving, attracting foreign investment and becoming Africa’s most-visited destination. Despite this growth, job opportunities remain scarce, and 12.7% of the population lives in relative poverty. Politicians have acknowledged these issues and proposed solutions in their election manifestos, although many young people in Morocco view such promises skeptically.
The current government is a coalition of the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), and the Istiqlal Party. Each party is vying to emerge as the top contender. The RNI, led by Mohamed Chouki, has led the government for the past five years, while the PAM is the second-largest party, backed by figures such as Fatima-Zahra Mansouri and Fouzi Lekjaa. The Istiqlal Party, led by Water Minister Nizar Baraka, emphasizes faster hospital treatment as a campaign promise.
The election process involves voters selecting from party lists rather than individual candidates. Out of 395 seats, 305 are allocated through local constituencies, while the remaining 90 are from regional, all-female lists. Morocco’s 2011 constitution allows the king to appoint the head of government from the party with the most seats, and no party is expected to secure the 198 seats necessary for an outright majority.
Consequently, the winning party will likely need to form a coalition, with the proposed cabinet subject to royal approval.
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