Moroccan Authenticity and Modernity Party wins most seats but falls short of majority

The next government will steer Morocco’s 2030 World Cup preparations amid public frustration over the local economy.

Published On 26 Sep 2026

The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the largest party in Morocco’s parliamentary election, capturing 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives.

Although the monarchy‑aligned PAM, a member of the current ruling coalition, leads the legislature, it falls far short of the 198 seats needed for an outright majority and will have to forge a new governing coalition.

PAM, founded in 2008 by Fouad Ali El Himma— a close ally of King Mohammed VI— has historically served as a counterweight to the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD). The PJD’s parliamentary presence collapsed to just 13 seats in 2021, but it has now staged a resurgence, quadrupling its tally to 54 seats.

Given the longstanding rivalry between the two parties, a coalition is unlikely. The PJD has indicated it will remain in opposition, leaving PAM to seek partners among the monarchist Istiqlal party (which placed third) and other smaller parties to command a governing majority.

PAM’s traditional coalition partner, the National Rally of Independents (RNI), suffered a significant loss, dropping from 102 seats to 66.

Voter turnout was just 38 % of Morocco’s 15.8 million registered electors—the second‑lowest rate since the king ascended the throne in 1999 and a sharp decline from the 51 % recorded in 2021.

Analysts link the low participation to widespread disengagement following youth‑led protests last year over jobs, healthcare and education, as well as the deadly migrant attempts to reach Ceuta in July.

Potential prime‑minister candidates include PAM members Fouzi Lekjaa, head of the Moroccan football federation and budget minister, and Fatima Ezzahra Mansouri, mayor of Marrakech and minister of national planning, urban planning, housing and urban policy. If selected, Mansouri would become the country’s first female prime minister.

The incoming administration will oversee billions of dollars in investment as Morocco prepares to co‑host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

Source link