Morocco’s PAM wins election as coalition talks loom

Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has emerged victorious in parliamentary elections, securing the largest number of seats and positioning itself as a key player in the formation of the next government. With 97 out of 395 seats in the House of Representatives, PAM now faces the challenge of negotiating a coalition to assume power.

The National Rally of Independents (RNI), led by current Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, came in second with 66 seats, while the right-wing Istiqlal Party secured 65 seats. The election, the first since youth-led protests highlighted concerns over job opportunities and public services, saw a voter turnout of 38.02%, the lowest since 2007.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI will appoint the prime minister from the party with the most seats, potentially placing PAM leader Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, who would become the second woman to hold this position in the Arab region. PAM’s rise can be attributed to the recruitment of Fouzi Lekjaa, a former budget minister and football federation chief, whose contributions to Morocco’s national team have boosted his profile.

Relations between PAM and RNI have been strained, potentially complicating coalition talks. The Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) also performed well, winning 54 seats, up from 13 in 2021, and former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane returned to lead the party’s campaign. The next government will also oversee the final stages of a $20 billion infrastructure project, aimed at preparing Morocco for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal.