Moroccans Vote in Critical Election Amid Economic Turbulence

Millions of voters in Morocco cast their ballots on Wednesday to determine the composition of the House of Representatives, the lower house of parliament. The 12th legislative election since independence in 1956 sees 27 political parties competing for 395 seats, with nearly 16 million eligible voters—55% residing in urban areas and 45% in rural regions.

Although King Mohammed VI retains most executive powers, the incoming government will oversee public affairs for the coming years. Following the count, the king will appoint the head of government from the leading party, provided they secure parliamentary confidence through an absolute majority of 198 deputies.

The election takes place against a backdrop of mounting economic challenges. Mohammed Masbah, head of the Moroccan Institute for Policy Analysis, told Al Jazeera that the vote carries special significance due to an ongoing social and economic crisis characterized by soaring prices and the high cost of living.

“There is a state of frustration among broad segments of society, especially the youth,” Masbah said, citing the Gen Z protests of last year and a recent mass migration attempt toward Ceuta as evidence of the crisis. He noted that while a new financial system supporting candidates aged 35 could boost youth participation, the primary concern for most voters remains inflation and its impact on living standards.

Key issues such as unemployment and high prices have dominated the campaigns of the two leading parties, the National Rally of Independents and the Authenticity and Modernity Party. Masbah observed intense friction between these top contenders, including accusations of mismanaging funds, which risks alienating voters.

Additionally, the country is preparing for the 2030 World Cup, a milestone requiring significant investment. However, the nearly six million Moroccans living overseas, many of whom are young, face hurdles as they must appoint a proxy in Morocco to cast their votes.

Despite the tense atmosphere, Morocco’s Public Prosecution reported a notable decrease in election-related complaints compared to the 2021 vote. New legal amendments criminalizing digital offenses, such as spreading fake news or defaming candidates, were introduced this year. The digital realm emerged as the primary venue for violations, with 22 complaints recorded.

Looking ahead, Masbah anticipates that voter turnout will remain steady, consistent with trends over the past two decades. He attributed this to structural factors, noting that electoral behavior in Morocco is often driven by traditional networks of notables in deserts and villages rather than party platforms. While a slight decline in participation is possible, he described it as unlikely to be catastrophic due to the enduring influence of established elites.