- Moroccans are voting in parliamentary elections on Wednesday, which are influenced by youth disillusionment and a recent surge in migration to Ceuta.
- Gen Z protests erupted in September 2025 over issues like unemployment and healthcare, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as 'freedom, dignity, and social justice'.
- Last year, 60,000 people crossed to Ceuta, resulting in at least 100 deaths, underscoring the lack of opportunities for young Moroccans.
- Earlier this month, Israel and Morocco agreed to open full embassies, a move that has been met with mixed reactions amid rising anti-Israel sentiments.
- The youth unemployment rate in Morocco reached 37.3% last year, highlighting the economic challenges faced by young voters.
- The Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) is campaigning on a promise to end diplomatic ties with Israel, capitalizing on anti-Israel sentiments.
- The current government is made up of three parties, including two founded by men close to the palace, which unseated a moderate Islamist party after the 2011 Arab Spring protests.
Moroccan voters are heading to the polls on Wednesday, with the election reflecting deep-seated frustrations among the youth.
Unemployment among young people stands at 37.3%, prompting protests and a mass migration attempt to Ceuta.
The current government faces criticism for failing to deliver on promises of job creation, with the International Monetary Fund estimating overall unemployment at 13%.7
The election is also marked by the rise of anti-Israel sentiment, particularly from the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), which aims to capitalize on public discontent.6
“The slogan 'one million jobs' has become an overused electoral slogan,” said political analyst Aourraz, highlighting skepticism about the government's ability to create stable jobs.
With 27 million Moroccans eligible to vote, only 15.8 million are registered, a drop of 12% from the last election.
The outcome will determine the next prime minister and the composition of the government, which will oversee significant investments as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Polling stations will open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, with results expected Thursday.
The election is seen as a crucial test of political engagement among the youth, who have increasingly turned to protests and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of political participation.
“The election follows a wave of Gen Z protests in September 2025, with over 2,400 people prosecuted. Youth unemployment stands at 37.3%, and only 4% of registered voters are aged 18-24, signaling low youth engagement.”
BBC
