Morocco’s parliamentary election is set to test whether the country’s political system can reconnect with a disenchanted younger generation, many of whom say they have little faith in political parties or election promises.
Nearly 16 million Moroccans have registered to elect 395 members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, but only about four per cent of registered voters are aged between 18 and 24.
Zoubaida, a 34-year-old mother who works small jobs in Tangier and declined to give her full name, said she would not vote, although she believes the next government should prioritise employment and housing.
“I expect nothing,” she told AFP, saying she did not trust the promises made by the political parties contesting the election.
Social inequality and youth unemployment are among the major issues shaping the election. While many young Moroccans remain disengaged from electoral politics, others have repeatedly taken to the streets to demand better living conditions and public services.
The election comes a year after youth-led demonstrations known as the Gen Z movement swept across the country, with protesters demanding improvements in healthcare and education.
Morocco has recorded strong economic growth and is undertaking major infrastructure and development projects ahead of the 2030 World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
However, concerns over unemployment and social disparities remain.
Tens of thousands of people, predominantly young Moroccans, crossed into the neighbouring Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July in a major migration surge, highlighting the depth of frustrations among some young people.
Asked about the incident, Zoubaida said she would also consider attempting the crossing if given the opportunity.
Political parties are seeking to capitalise on the concerns ahead of Wednesday’s vote.
“These elections have two major challenges: restoring voters’ trust, particularly among young people, in political life, and bringing forward an honest political elite,” political scientist Mohamed Chiker said.
Some young voters, however, remain willing to participate.
Haitham Arakchou, 28, said he planned to vote and urged other Moroccans to participate, expressing hope that the next government would improve social conditions and increase the minimum wage.
He said his decision was driven by a desire for change amid what he described as Morocco’s “numerous problems”.
He cited the deaths of pregnant women at a hospital in Agadir in 2025, an incident that contributed to the protests led by young Moroccans.
Although Morocco’s economy grew by about five per cent last year, according to official figures, unemployment remained at 13 per cent.
For 20-year-old electrical engineering graduate Haitham Atifi, the economic situation has reinforced his decision not to vote.
Atifi said he had struggled to find employment opportunities and that many of his former classmates faced similar difficulties.
For him, campaign promises amounted to “just empty words”.
“I don’t think there is a party capable of creating jobs for young people,” he said.
The July migration surge, which heightened tensions between Rabat and Madrid, has received limited attention during the election campaign.
However, Abdelilah Benkirane, a former prime minister and leader of the opposition Justice and Development Party, described the incident as a “major scandal” during a campaign rally.
