Morocco's Authenticity and Modernity Party Wins Most Seats in Parliamentary Election
The party, founded by a royal advisor, fell short of an absolute majority and must form a coalition government amidst public frustration over unemployment and cost of living.
CASABLANCA, Morocco – Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) secured the most seats in the country’s parliamentary election, winning 97 out of 395 available in the House of Representatives, according to final results released by the Interior Ministry on Friday.
The party, established by an advisor close to King Mohammed VI, did not achieve an outright majority and will need to engage in negotiations with other political factions to establish a governing coalition.
The election took place against a backdrop of widespread discontent among the youth, high unemployment rates despite a strong economy, and calls for improved public services such as education, healthcare, and housing.
This election marks the first since significant events including the deadly mass migration attempts to Ceuta in July and Gen Z-led protests last year.
The incoming government is tasked with overseeing substantial investments as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup. The new leadership will also face pressure to address pressing public concerns, including job creation, wages, and the overall cost of living.
Despite a significant drug- and gold-trafficking scandal that implicated some senior PAM members, resulting in prison sentences for several individuals, the party managed to increase its seat count compared to the previous election.
The National Rally of Independents (RNI), a participant in the outgoing coalition government, experienced considerable losses, securing 66 seats. Conversely, the moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), which had won only 13 seats in 2021, saw an increase to 54 seats.
PAM has previously indicated its unwillingness to form a coalition with RNI. The party is expected to align with the third-place winner, Istiqlal, and other smaller parties to gain the necessary majority.
A coalition with the PJD is considered unlikely due to a long-standing political rivalry. PAM was founded in 2008 by Fouad Ali El Himma, a close associate of the king, and emerged as a significant political force intended to counterbalance the Justice and Development Party, which had led the government for the preceding decade.
The PJD has stated its intention to remain in opposition.
According to the Moroccan Constitution, the king appoints the prime minister from the party that wins the most seats in the legislative elections.
Potential candidates for prime minister include Fouzi Lakjaa, president of Morocco’s soccer federation, who recently joined PAM and has benefited from the national team’s recent successes. Lakjaa, 56, who also manages Morocco’s budget, is a member of PAM’s political bureau.
Another possibility is Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, 50, the mayor of Marrakech and minister of urban planning. If selected, she would become Morocco’s first female prime minister. PAM operates with a collective leadership, with Mansouri serving as its coordinator.
Out of 15.8 million registered voters, six million cast ballots in Wednesday's election, the sixth since King Mohammed VI assumed power 27 years ago. The overall voter turnout was 38%, marking the lowest participation rate since 2007.