Morocco’s Election: A Moment of Truth for a System Under Strain

Morocco’s upcoming parliamentary election, scheduled for September 23, has become a critical test of trust in its political system. With youth unemployment and rising living costs dominating the agenda, voters are right to question whether their elected representatives can deliver tangible change.

Younger Moroccans, who make up a significant proportion of the registered electorate, have shown themselves to be skeptical of electoral politics. According to an Afrobarometer survey published in March, only a third of those aged 18-35 expressed trust in Parliament and its leaders. This lack of faith is not surprising given the systemic issues that underpin Morocco’s economic woes.

The country’s constitutional framework, established in 2011, has done little to address the yawning gap between rich and poor. The monarch retains significant power, with the head of government appointed from the party securing the most seats in Parliament. This setup creates a disconnect between representative bodies and the needs of everyday citizens.

Economic statistics paint a grim picture: unemployment stands at 13 percent overall, but reaches as high as 37.3 percent for those aged 15-24. Skills mismatches and limited private sector dynamism have created a perfect storm of frustration among young people struggling to enter the labor market.

In recent years, discontent has spilled out onto the streets, with large-scale migrations to Spain’s autonomous city of Ceuta underscoring the deep-seated economic and social issues afflicting Morocco. These episodes demonstrate how migration aspirations can intersect with economic hardship and misinformation circulating on social media.

The ruling coalition parties – RNI, PAM, and Istiqlal – have all staked their claims on the election’s outcome, promising employment and purchasing power to voters. However, what sets them apart is their understanding of the economic challenges facing Morocco.

For too long, politicians in Rabat have promised more without delivering tangible results. The next government must turn growth into productive jobs and higher living standards – a challenge that has eluded them so far.

The PJD’s attempts to rebuild support after its dramatic losses in 2021 raise questions about its relevance in this election. Can it regain the trust of voters, or will its return to power be short-lived?

Morocco’s next government faces an unenviable task: addressing systemic issues that have left young people disillusioned with electoral politics. The outcome of this election is far from certain, but one thing is clear – if the system cannot deliver on its promises, it risks further destabilization and disengagement.

The Moroccan people are entitled to more than empty rhetoric and vague promises. It’s time for their elected representatives to demonstrate a genuine commitment to creating opportunities that can be seen in everyday life. The September 23 election offers a moment of truth – one that will determine the course of Morocco’s future and the trust its citizens place in those who govern them.

As voters head to the polls, they should remember that this is not just an election about parties or policies – it’s about whether their government can deliver real change.