Political parties in Morocco are promising jobs and affordable housing to attract young voters ahead of the September 23 election, amid widespread dissatisfaction with politics and economic hardship.
The National Rally of Independents (RNI) and the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), both founded by figures close to the palace, have pledged to create about one million jobs during the next parliamentary term. They have also highlighted infrastructure investments worth about $20 billion ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
However, youth participation remains low. People aged 18 to 24 make up about 12 per cent of Morocco’s population but only three per cent of registered voters. An Afrobarometer survey published in March found that just one-third of Moroccans aged 18 to 35 trusted parliament, the prime minister or political parties.
Analysts linked young people’s disenchantment to last year’s deadly protests and a mass migration attempt towards Spain’s Ceuta enclave.
University student Mohamed Azzaoui said he did not intend to vote, adding, “We keep seeing the same faces return with promises that many young voters no longer believe.”
Morocco’s monarchy retains control over the country’s broad policy direction, while parties compete over how to implement its objectives.
Despite major investments in infrastructure, green energy and other sectors, youth unemployment stands at about 27 per cent. Official statistics also show that roughly one in three young Moroccans is neither working, studying nor undergoing training.
The country’s New Development Model aims to double GDP per capita by 2035, but Morocco’s central bank has noted a gap between economic performance and citizens’ perceptions.
