Moroccans have gone to the polls to elect a new parliament, with concerns over jobs, wages, education, healthcare, and public services featuring prominently as voters choose representatives to shape the country’s next government.
Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 7 p.m., with nearly 15.8 million registered voters eligible to elect all 395 members of the House of Representatives.
Official figures show that 7,288 candidates are contesting the election, with 28 political formations participating. Results are expected on Thursday.
The election comes nearly a year after youth-led protests drew attention to grievances over employment opportunities, education, healthcare and living conditions.
Despite Morocco’s economic growth and major investment projects, many young people say improvements have not translated sufficiently into better living conditions.
Youth participation remains a major concern, with official figures showing that only four per cent of registered voters are aged between 18 and 24. Analysts expect relatively low turnout amid widespread political scepticism.
Some young Moroccans have taken their grievances to the streets, while others have considered emigrating or staying away from the ballot box.
Recent protests and a mass attempt by migrants to cross the country’s northern border into the Spanish territory of Ceuta have added pressure on political parties.
The election is also taking place against the backdrop of major infrastructure and investment projects linked to Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
The incoming government will oversee billions of dollars in development projects while facing pressure to ensure that economic growth translates into more jobs and improved public services.
Under Morocco’s constitution, the King appoints the head of government from the party that wins the most seats in parliament.
With no single party expected to win an outright majority, coalition negotiations are likely to determine the composition of the next government.
The monarchy, however, retains broad powers over strategic national affairs, meaning the elected government will operate alongside a powerful royal institution.
Moroccans living abroad have the constitutional right to vote, but the country does not provide postal voting or ballot boxes at Moroccan consulates.
Those seeking to participate generally have to travel to Morocco or authorise an eligible person to vote on their behalf.
The number of registered voters has declined since the 2021 election despite population growth, highlighting the challenge facing political parties as they seek to rebuild public confidence in the electoral process.
(TRTWorld)
