Morocco Election Sees Islamist Comeback, Anti-Israel Activist Wins Seat

Morocco's parliamentary elections have concluded with near-final results showing a significant comeback for the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), whose campaign focused on animosity towards Israel and calls to sever ties. While not winning, the PJD secured 54 seats, a substantial increase from their previous election low. The ruling Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the largest party with 97 seats, while the National Rally of Independents (RNI), part of the outgoing coalition, came in second with 66 seats. The conservative Istiqlal party secured 65 seats.

The election results will not drastically alter the country's power balance, as King Mohammed VI holds significant authority, particularly in foreign and security policy. However, the new government will manage daily affairs and oversee a $20 billion infrastructure development plan for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.

Aziz El Hanaoui, an activist known for stepping on an Israeli flag and a vocal critic of normalization with Israel, won a parliamentary seat with the PJD. His election, alongside the PJD's resurgence, has raised concerns in Jerusalem, particularly given their anti-Israel platform. The PJD's former leader and prime minister, Abdelilah Benkirane, who previously normalized relations with Israel, now calls that decision a "mistake" and has vowed to work towards closing the Israeli embassy.

Despite the PJD's gains, the overall voter turnout was a low 38%, reflecting widespread public frustration, especially among youth, with economic conditions and lack of opportunities. Youth unemployment stands at 37%, contributing to social unrest and emigration. The King is constitutionally required to appoint the prime minister from the party with the most votes, which is PAM, but he is not bound to select its leader and has broad discretion in forming the government.