Morocco: Parliamentary Elections 2026 Underway amid Economic Woes

• Moroccans voted on September 23, 2026, to elect 395 members to the House of Representatives, with nearly 16 million registered voters.
• Campaigns focused on high unemployment, rising prices, and inequality, contributing to widespread voter disillusionment, especially among youth.
• The National Rally of Independents (RNI), currently leading the government coalition, was considered a frontrunner, despite Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch stepping down as party head.
• The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), a main rival, recently faced a corruption scandal involving senior figures sentenced for drug trafficking.
• The King appoints the prime minister from the winning party, who then forms a five-year government, while the monarch retains control over major policy decisions.

The outcome of these elections will determine the composition of the next government, which will serve a five-year term, though the monarch maintains ultimate authority over significant policy decisions.

On Wednesday, September 23, 2026, citizens across Morocco participated in parliamentary elections to select 395 members for the House of Representatives. Nearly 16 million individuals were registered to cast their ballots, with polls opening at 8 a.m. and closing at 7 p.m. The election unfolded against a backdrop of significant public concern over economic issues, including persistent unemployment, escalating prices, and pervasive inequality, which dominated campaign discussions.

Voter engagement was a critical measure, particularly given widespread disillusionment with the political establishment. This sentiment was especially pronounced among younger demographics, despite only 4% of registered voters being between 18 and 24 years old. Nevertheless, issues affecting youth, such as healthcare and education, garnered considerable attention following a recent influx of young Moroccans into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta and the previous year's Gen Z protest movement. By midday, official figures indicated an 11.3% turnout.

Public opinion regarding the election was divided. While some, like 59-year-old Majda Bakatir, expressed a profound loss of faith in the political class, citing unaddressed problems in healthcare, education, and purchasing power, others held out hope for change. Karim Ennaciri, 55, for instance, voted with the expectation that the election could signal a renewal within the existing political parties. Preliminary results were anticipated to be released overnight following the close of polls.

The Moroccan political system dictates that the monarch appoints the prime minister from the party securing the most seats in the parliamentary elections. This appointed prime minister then assumes responsibility for forming a government that will serve a five-year term, though the King retains ultimate authority over major policy decisions. Despite a ban on opinion polls under Moroccan electoral law, observers widely considered the National Rally of Independents (RNI) to be a leading contender. The RNI currently heads the ruling coalition.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch spearheaded the RNI's campaign, highlighting his government's accomplishments, such as expanding social security coverage, implementing reforms in education and health, and increasing salaries. However, Akhannouch, a wealthy businessman, had previously stepped down as the RNI's leader, precluding him from leading the next government even if his party emerged victorious. He has also faced repeated accusations of conflicts of interest related to his company, Afriquia, a prominent fuel distributor in Morocco, and calls for his resignation during the youth-led Gen Z protests.

The RNI's primary rival is the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM). Both the RNI and PAM are ideologically center-right and were established by figures with close ties to the royal palace. The PAM notably recruited Budget Minister Fouzi Lekjaa, who is also well-known as the head of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. Lekjaa campaigned on promises of higher wages and improved purchasing power, aiming to empower young people. While the PAM lacks a singular clear leader, Fatima Ezzahra Mansouri, the minister for territorial planning and mayor of Marrakesh, stands out as a prominent figure and a potential candidate to become the country's first woman prime minister. The party has also recently grappled with a corruption scandal, with two senior members receiving prison sentences of 10 and 12 years in June for their involvement in a major drug-trafficking case linked to a kingpin known as the "Escobar of the Sahara."

The Morocco parliamentary elections 2026 represent a crucial juncture for Morocco's political landscape and its future governance. The campaign messaging from various parties consistently focused on enhancing the quality of life for Moroccans, directly addressing the prevalent concerns about economic stability and social equity. The outcome of these elections will determine the composition of the next government, which will serve a five-year term, though the monarch maintains ultimate authority over significant policy decisions.

The formation of the new government and its subsequent policy agenda will be closely watched, particularly concerning potential shifts in economic strategy, regulatory enforcement, and social welfare initiatives. The performance of parties like the RNI and PAM, and their ability to address voter disillusionment, will be key indicators of Morocco's political stability and future policy directions. The election results will offer valuable insights into the country's political risk assessment and potential governance and policy shifts in the coming years.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients in Morocco should closely monitor the outcome of these parliamentary elections and the formation of the new government. The results will indicate potential shifts in economic policy, regulatory enforcement (especially regarding corruption and social welfare initiatives), and overall political stability, which could impact business operations and compliance strategies.

Source: Original reporting via Associated Press and Agence France-Presse