PAM Leads Morocco's Legislative Elections
The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), a key player in Morocco's current governing coalition, has achieved a significant victory in the legislative elections held on Wednesday, securing 97 out of 395 seats in the House of Representatives. These preliminary results were announced early Thursday by Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit. The elections were notably characterized by the lowest voter turnout in almost two decades, reflecting widespread disillusionment with the political landscape.
In the election results, the National Rally of Independents (RNI), from which the current Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch hails, came in second place with 66 seats, experiencing a loss of around thirty seats compared to the 2021 elections. The Istiqlal Party, also part of the existing coalition, secured third place with 65 seats. Meanwhile, the Justice and Development Party (PJD), which has campaigned vigorously against corruption, made a surprising comeback, increasing its representation from 13 to 54 seats, thus significantly boosting its presence in the opposition.
Challenges and Future Prospects
The voter turnout for this election stood at a mere 38.08%, the most dismal figure recorded in nearly two decades, underscoring a profound sense of distrust towards the political class amid rising concerns over unemployment and socio-economic inequalities. This election was conducted less than two months after a migration crisis in Ceuta, which highlighted the lack of opportunities for many youths in Morocco, despite the kingdom's ongoing economic growth and extensive infrastructure projects in preparation for the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Experts caution that the investments required for the World Cup are viewed by a segment of the populace as misaligned with the kingdom's pressing socio-economic priorities, which include improving public services, addressing rural isolation, and tackling high unemployment rates. According to independent researcher Lamia Elfehaim, these conflicting priorities illustrate the challenges that the new government will face.
The leader of the new government will be appointed from the party that won the highest number of seats, which, in this case, is PAM. This individual will be named by King Mohammed VI and will be responsible for forming a coalition government for the next five years, although overarching strategic directions will remain under the monarch's purview.
PAM was established in 2008 by Fouad Ali El Himma, a close advisor to the king, with the intention of counterbalancing Islamist influences in Moroccan politics. However, El Himma stepped back during the Arab Spring, facing criticism from detractors who accused him of attempting to monopolize power within the party.
As reported by lesoir.be.
