Full Breakdown
PAM Leads Morocco’s 2026 Parliamentary Election Amid Record Low Turnout
By Drooid · · How we work
Election Outcome
On September 23 2026 the Moroccan electorate voted for a new 395-member House of Representatives. Provisional results announced by Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit on September 24 show the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) winning the most seats—97—followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 66 and the Istiqlal Party with 65. The Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) rebounded to 54 seats after a collapse to 13 in 2021. No party secured the 198 seats needed for an outright majority, so coalition talks are now required.
Background & Context
The vote was the first parliamentary poll since the Gen-Z-led protests of 2025 and the mass crossing of migrants into Ceuta in summer 2026, which amplified frustration over youth unemployment, deteriorating public services and rising living costs. Morocco’s 2011 constitution gives King Mohammed VI the authority to appoint the prime minister from the party that wins the most seats while retaining control over defence, foreign affairs and strategic policy. The incoming legislature will also oversee the final stages of a roughly $20 billion infrastructure push linked to Morocco’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Data & Statistics
- Seats in the lower house: 395.
- PAM: 97 seats (+10 vs 2021).
- RNI: 66 seats (-36).
- Istiqlal: 65 seats (-16).
- PJD: 54 seats (+41).
- Registered voters: ? 15.8 million of an estimated 27 million voting-age citizens.
- Turnout: reported at about 38 percent (? 6 million voters).
Why It Matters
Because PAM did not achieve a parliamentary majority, the composition of the next governing coalition will shape Morocco’s ability to deliver on a $37 billion platform promising 1 million new jobs, higher wages and expanded health-care investment. The coalition will also manage the “World Cup government” agenda, balancing massive infrastructure spending against the socioeconomic grievances that fueled the 2025 protests and the Ceuta migration crisis.
Official Statements & Responses
King Mohammed VI, under Article 47 of the constitution, will appoint the head of government from the party that wins the most seats, though the appointment does not have to be the party’s secretary-general.
Criticism & Opposition
Former prime minister and PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane warned that “If we work hard, the king will close the Israeli Embassy,” framing the PJD’s comeback as a challenge to Morocco’s foreign-policy direction. He also described the PAM-led government as “tainted by fraud,” though no detailed allegations were provided.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Turnout figures differ slightly across sources (38 percent, 38.02 percent, 38.08 percent), reflecting minor reporting variations. Observers note a pronounced youth disengagement—only 4 percent of registered voters are aged 18-24—without a clear consensus on the underlying causes beyond general economic discontent.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Today, we celebrate the valuable trust citizens have placed in us, a trust born of 18 years of relentless struggle,” — Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, PAM national coordinator
- “The World Cup final will be here in Ben Slimane province, whether they like it or hate it,” — Fouzi Lekjaa, budget minister and football federation chief