Morocco Votes Amid Youth Discontent and Islamist Anti-Zionist Rhetoric

Morocco held parliamentary elections on Wednesday, marked by widespread frustration among its youth due to widening economic inequality, despite national growth. This discontent has manifested in protests and a mass attempt by thousands of young Moroccans to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta seeking better lives in Europe. The elections will determine the government managing daily affairs for the next five years, including a $20 billion infrastructure development plan for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

While the King holds significant power over foreign policy and security, the elected government will oversee domestic issues. Voter turnout, particularly among the youth, is seen as a key indicator of public trust. However, only 15.8 million out of 27 million eligible voters registered, a 12% drop from the previous election in 2021. Youth unemployment stands at 37%, fueling frustration that led to protests last September, resulting in over 3,000 arrests.

Economic promises dominate the campaign, with the two largest parties in the outgoing coalition, the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), pledging to create one million new jobs, improve housing, and raise wages. Tensions exist between the parties, with PAM stating they would not join an RNI-led coalition. The current Prime Minister, Aziz Akhannouch, stepped down from leading RNI, leaving the next prime minister's identity uncertain. Potential candidates include Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa and Marrakech Mayor Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, who could become Morocco's first female prime minister.

The Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), led by former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, is campaigning on a platform critical of Morocco's 2020 normalization of relations with Israel, with Benkirane calling it a "mistake" and warning of the "dangers of Zionism." Despite widespread protests against Israel during the Gaza war, diplomatic relations have advanced with mutual embassy openings. Benkirane suggested that if his party won, the King might close the Israeli embassy, acknowledging the King's ultimate authority.

Some parties are calling for a boycott, citing a lack of democratic fairness and the limited powers of parliament. The radical left party "Democratic Path" accused the elections of not meeting minimum democratic standards, reporting over 30 arrests of members who called for a boycott. The Islamist organization "Al Adl Wal Ihssane," though outlawed, also urged a boycott, stating the elections create "facade institutions incapable of fulfilling their roles."