Elections under way after protests

CASABLANCA (AP):

More jobs. Higher wages. Less inequality. Better housing, schools, hospitals and infrastructure.

Those are among the main concerns for Moroccan voters as they head to the polls today to elect a new parliament.

The next government will oversee billions of dollars in investment as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, prompting some to describe it as the “World Cup government”. A soccer boss could even emerge as prime minister.

Morocco’s new political leadership will mainly face pressure to address everyday concerns, while operating alongside a powerful monarchy that retains decision-making authority in strategic affairs.

This is Morocco’s first parliamentary elections since deadly Gen Z-led protests erupted nearly a year ago and July’s mass border crossing into the Spanish territory of Ceuta left dozens dead.

Morocco’s economy is growing and attracting foreign investment, and new industries are developing. It has also become Africa’s most-visited destination. The kingdom is a close US ally and maintains strong ties with Western capitals. It is among the few Arab countries that have diplomatic relations with Israel.

Behind the medieval palaces, glistening seas and breathtaking mountains that draw tourists from around the world lies an uncomfortable reality: Development remains uneven across the country, economic growth is not creating enough jobs, and 12.7 per cent of Moroccans live in relative poverty.

Politicians say they have heard these grievances and have proposed solutions in their election manifestos. Many young Moroccans in particular say they have heard such promises before.

Parties pledge

A total of 7,288 candidates from 27 political parties are competing for 395 seats.

The RNI party, part of the current governing coalition, has promised a guaranteed monthly minimum wage of US$525 and to create one million jobs.

Another member of the governing coalition, the PAM party, said it would exempt salaries below US$1,575 from taxes and pledged 100,000 housing solutions for young people.

The Istiqlal Party wants to speed up treatment at public hospitals. The opposition left-wing PPS aims to cut the school dropout rate in half and tighten anti-corruption rules.

The moderate Islamist PJD party aims to narrow economic disparities between major economic hubs like Casablanca and other regions.

Morocco’s Constitution requires the king to choose the prime minister from the top-performing party in legislative elections.

Since no single party is expected to capture an absolute majority, the winner will need to build a coalition government. Portfolios are split among the political allies, but the palace traditionally keeps key posts such as defence and foreign affairs under royal control.

“The government’s overall policy platform is set by a circle of advisers close to the king, who retains ultimate power,’’ said Hamish Kinnear, a UK-based risk analyst focusing on North Africa and the Middle East.

Traditionally, the king has named the leader of the party that comes first as prime minister. But, in recent months, attention has turned to other possibilities, such as Faouzi Lakjaa, president of Morocco’s soccer federation, who recently joined the PAM party as a member of its political bureau but is not the top party official.

Lakjaa, 56, who also oversees Morocco’s budget, has been buoyed by Morocco’s recent soccer achievements.

Yet, at a rally last week, PAM members rooted for another candidate.

“We want a woman as prime minister,” many shouted, referring to Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, 50, mayor of Marrakech and minister of urban planning. If PAM wins the election and she is named, she would be Morocco’s first female prime minister.

Another potential contender is Nizar Baraka, head of PI and minister of water. The grandson of a leader of Morocco’s colonial-era independence movement, Baraka’s supporters see his party as a defender of Moroccan values.

Former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, leader of the moderate Islamist PJD, is seeking a comeback after the party’s sharp defeat in 2021, when it went from 125 seats to 13.

Some call to boycott the elections

The Democratic Path, a far-left party, has urged a boycott of Wednesday’s elections, saying that they “lack the minimum conditions of democracy and fairness”.

“The elections will not give us a parliament that expresses people’s will and the government will not have any decision-making power,” said Jamal Berrajaa, the party’s leader. He added that more than 30 members of his party were arrested after calling people to boycott the ballot box.

“We want a new democratic Constitution,” Berrajaa said.

Al Aadl Wal Ihsane, a banned but tolerated Islamist organisation, issued similar calls.

“Elections in Morocco are used to produce sham institutions that cannot perform their functions,” said Abdelwahed Moutawakkil, head of the group’s political department.