Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Morocco Votes on Government, World Cup Spending and Youth Discontent
Moroccans are choosing members of parliament in an election that will help decide the next government.
The king will still have major control over important areas such as foreign policy and defense.
The winning party will provide a prime minister, who must build a coalition with other parties.
The government will manage a large program to prepare Morocco for the 2030 World Cup.
The program includes investments in stadiums, railways and other infrastructure.
Major parties also promise more jobs, better housing, higher wages and improved hospitals.
Young people have shown dissatisfaction, and many may not trust political institutions.
Officials will therefore pay close attention to how many young voters participate.
Moroccans are voting for a 395-seat parliament whose outcome will determine the next government.
The election is expected to leave the broader balance of power largely unchanged because the king retains major authority.
The next government will oversee about $20 billion in infrastructure spending ahead of the 2030 World Cup.
The National Rally of Independents and Authenticity and Modernity Party each promise roughly 1 million jobs over five years.
Turnout among young voters will be closely watched amid economic frustration and declining electoral registration.
- Who
- Moroccan voters, political parties including the National Rally of Independents, the Authenticity and Modernity Party, Istiqlal and the Justice and Development Party, and King Mohammed VI’s appointed government formation process.
- What
- A parliamentary election to determine the party that will nominate Morocco’s next prime minister and shape the next coalition government.
- When
- Voting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, with polling stations open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; preliminary results are usually announced the following day.
- Where
- Morocco.
- Why
- The election will determine who oversees World Cup preparations, economic investment and initiatives intended to address youth discontent.
Coalition Continuity
Coalition Change
Government performance
Coalition Continuity
The National Rally of Independents and Authenticity and Modernity Party are campaigning on job creation, housing, wages and hospital improvements while continuing to oversee major investment projects.
Coalition Change
The parties have blamed each other for failing to stop rising food prices and for other policy shortcomings, creating pressure for a different governing arrangement.
Future coalition
Coalition Continuity
The National Rally of Independents and Authenticity and Modernity Party currently govern together, providing a possible basis for continued cooperation.
Coalition Change
Authenticity and Modernity Party leaders have said they would not join another coalition with the National Rally of Independents if their party finishes first.
Political influence
Coalition Continuity
The election gives voters a role in choosing the parliament and the party that will nominate the prime minister.
Coalition Change
The result is not expected to fundamentally change Morocco’s power balance because the king retains sweeping authority over policy direction, defense and foreign affairs.
- Parliament size
- 395 seats
- Voting-age population
- About 27 million Moroccans
- Registered voters
- 15.8 million, about 12% fewer than in 2021
- World Cup investment
- About 190 billion dirhams, or roughly $20 billion
- World Cup hosts
- Morocco, Spain and Portugal will co-host the 2030 World Cup
- Job pledges
- The National Rally of Independents and Authenticity and Modernity Party each promise about 1 million jobs over five years
- Prime minister selection
- The king appoints the prime minister from the party winning the largest share of parliamentary seats