Story perspectives

Morocco’s election turnout hits 38% lowest since 2007

By Drooid · Sep 25, 2026, 6:22 AM UTC · How we work

Left

Record Low Turnout

Moroccan voters elected a new 395-seat House of Representatives on 23 September 2026.
Turnout fell to about 38 %, the lowest since 2007, reflecting widespread voter disillusionment, especially among young people.
The outgoing coalition parties—Authenticity and Modernity Party, National Rally of Independents, and Istiqlal—hold 228 seats, enough for a parliamentary majority.
King Mohammed VI must appoint a prime minister from Authenticity and Modernity Party, with coalition talks expected to determine the government.

Right

Potential First Female PM

Moroccan voters elected a new 395-seat House of Representatives on 23 September 2026, shaping the next parliamentary term.
The results highlighted Fatima Ezzahra Mansouri as a potential first female prime minister, marking a historic personal breakthrough.
Turnout dropped to 38 percent, the lowest participation since 2007.
Experts said the monarch’s broad authority means the results won’t shift the kingdom’s power balance.

History

Historical Context

Mass protests beginning 20 February 2011 forced King Mohammed VI to propose constitutional reforms, which were put to a referendum on 1 July 2011. Voters approved the draft with about 98.5 % of votes and roughly 70 % turnout, granting the prime minister—chosen from the largest party—the power to appoint officials and dissolve parliament. The subsequent November election gave the Justice and Development Party 107 seats, reshaping Morocco’s parliamentary landscape.

1 of 3

Record Low Turnout

Moroccan voters elected a new 395-seat House of Representatives on 23 September 2026.
Turnout fell to about 38 %, the lowest since 2007, reflecting widespread voter disillusionment, especially among young people.
The outgoing coalition parties—Authenticity and Modernity Party, National Rally of Independents, and Istiqlal—hold 228 seats, enough for a parliamentary majority.
King Mohammed VI must appoint a prime minister from Authenticity and Modernity Party, with coalition talks expected to determine the government.

1 / 3