Morocco Polls: PAM Claims Lead Amid Low Turnout

Provisional tallies from North Africa indicate that the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), an organization aligned with the royal palace, has secured the highest number of legislative positions during recent parliamentary contests.

Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit shared these preliminary outcomes during a public briefing on Thursday, noting that the political faction claimed 97 legislative seats out of a total 395 available positions.

This electoral performance allows the monarchy-backed group to surpass the liberal National Rally of Independents (RNI), which previously held senior status in the governing coalition.

Following the leading party, the RNI managed to capture 66 legislative spots, while the Istiqlal Party finished close behind by securing 65 mandates in the national assembly.

Meanwhile, the Justice and Development Party (PJD), a centrist Islamist faction that previously claimed only 13 mandates back in 2021, experienced a notable rebound by jumping to 54 legislative positions.

Official statistics released alongside the count revealed a significant drop in voter participation, with overall turnout descending to 38.02 percent compared to the 50 percent recorded during the preceding election cycle.

Government Formation and Next Steps

The 2011 national charter empowers King Mohammed VI to designate a prime minister originating from the biggest political bloc, placing the PAM in prime position to spearhead the upcoming administration.

This electoral event represents the initial legislative contest following severe demonstrations led by Gen Z participants over the past year, creating mounting pressure on incoming leadership to resolve pressing societal grievances.

Future administrators will need to tackle widespread public concerns regarding employment opportunities, wage levels, and the rising cost of living that affects everyday citizens.

Furthermore, the incoming officials must supervise massive financial allocations totaling billions of dollars as the nation prepares to jointly host the 2030 World Cup.

Coalition Building and Policy Agendas

Because no individual faction is projected to secure an absolute majority of seats, the primary victor must negotiate with other groups to assemble a functional coalition administration.

While cabinet portfolios are typically distributed among various political partners, the royal palace traditionally retains direct authority over strategic ministries such as foreign affairs and defense.

Leadership figures within the PAM have already dismissed the possibility of renewing their partnership with the RNI, citing mutual recriminations over unsuccessful governance strategies.

During the campaign trail, the winning political group introduced a financial blueprint valued at $37bn, which pledged the creation of 1 million fresh jobs, enhanced salary structures, and ongoing investments in social protection systems and healthcare infrastructure.

Speculation surrounds potential candidates for the prime ministerial role, including Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, who could emerge as the Arab region’s second female head of government following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden if chosen.

Another prominent contender mentioned is Fouzi Lekjaa, who serves as the budget minister and leads the national football federation, having officially affiliated with the PAM only weeks before voters went to the polls, as reported by Crimson Reporters.