Young Voices Rally for Change in Morocco's Parliamentary Elections
As Morocco braces for its parliamentary elections this Wednesday, a wave of youthful energy is surging through the political landscape, driven by young Moroccans who previously took to the streets in protest. These elections mark the first since the turbulent demonstrations led by Generation Z, which highlighted the urgent need for social reform and increased opportunities. Former protesters are now stepping up as candidates, with a staggering 7,288 individuals from 27 different political parties vying for 395 seats in the House of Representatives.
One notable candidate is Younes Belaidi, a 29-year-old activist who participated in last year’s protests. He is now representing the Progress and Socialism Party in the Ain Chock district of Casablanca, where he is also affiliated with the Moroccan Organization for Human Rights. Belaidi passionately argues that the key to solving the country’s issues lies in robust participation from the youth. "To solve the problem, we, young people, must participate strongly and in large numbers," he emphasizes, calling on his peers to engage actively in the electoral process.
Fellow party member Aymane Saissi, who also took part in the protests, shares a cautious sense of optimism regarding the future. While he acknowledges a lack of overwhelming hope, he remains hopeful that the next government will initiate programs that address fundamental necessities such as health care, education, and a decent quality of life. "I cannot say that I have a lot of hope, but there is hope that the next government will launch projects that will enable us to achieve our basic demands," Saissi asserts, reflecting the sentiments of many young voters eager for change.
Among those closely observing the elections is 23-year-old Ayoub Belaidi, who sought better prospects by crossing into Ceuta during the recent surge of migration. After enduring a challenging experience filled with adversity, he returned to Morocco with a renewed determination. "The decision to migrate came from a search for freedom and new cultures, and to be able to develop myself and find new opportunities," he explains, revealing the struggles he faced during his brief time abroad. His story exemplifies the desperation many young Moroccans feel in their quest for a brighter future.
The protests that erupted in late 2025 echoed across various Moroccan cities, as demonstrators demanded improvements in healthcare, education, employment, and public services while denouncing corruption. Current statistics indicate that youth unemployment among those aged 15 to 24 reached a staggering 37 percent in 2025, in stark contrast to an overall unemployment rate of 13 percent. Despite making up approximately 12 percent of Morocco's population, individuals aged 18 to 24 represent only 4 percent of the 15.8 million registered voters, underscoring the critical need for their voices to be heard in the forthcoming elections.
As reported by africanews.com.
