Morocco's legislative elections, held on a Thursday, concluded with an official voter participation rate of 38.02 percent. The low turnout, recorded at 38.02 percent for the 2026 legislative elections, immediately reignited discussions about public trust in the electoral process, political parties, and state institutions. Opposing voices within the country questioned whether the current electoral system could genuinely deliver significant political change. Many observers noted that the low participation rate raised fundamental questions regarding the electoral legitimacy of both the newly formed parliament and the government.
Declining Participation and Registration
The number of registered voters on electoral rolls stood at 15,801,162. This figure represents more than ten million less than the total number of eligible voters in Morocco. Consequently, the participation rate, when calculated based on the total eligible voters, is approximately 23 percent or less. A comparison to previous years shows a decline in registered voters; the number of registered voters in 2021 was 17,983,490, indicating a decrease of over two million registered voters compared to 2021.
This decrease in registered voters is linked to abstention from registration, particularly among youth. The percentage of registered voters aged 18-24 did not exceed 4 percent. Historical data on legislative elections shows fluctuating participation rates: 45.40 percent in 2011 after the 2011 constitution, and 42.29 percent in 2016. Voter participation in the September 8, 2021 elections was 50.53 percent, but those elections included legislative, regional, and local elections held concurrently on the same day. According to the official rate, the number of voters reached about 6.03 million voters, as noted by باسك منار.
Roots of Public Disillusionment
Low participation rates reflect a broader decline in public trust in elections and a prevailing conviction among certain segments of society that electoral participation is "useless." This sentiment is exacerbated by a lack of trust in the electoral offerings and promises made by political parties, further contributing to the low turnout. The repetition of electoral cycles has not alleviated the social and economic hardships experienced by large segments of Moroccans.
The declining participation numbers also indicate a reduction in the effectiveness of party work, impacting both affiliation rates and the ability of parties to influence and mobilize the electorate. The increasing abstention, particularly among younger demographics, suggests a growing popular awareness regarding the perceived limited utility of engaging in the electoral process. The fundamental question for many extends beyond merely who will head the government, questioning whether a change in political figures will translate into actual changes in policy.
Electoral Process and Legitimacy
The elections of September 23 unfolded within a political landscape where key features were determined prior to the campaign. Ballot boxes have become a mechanism to grant formal legitimacy to existing power balances, rather than serving as a means of expressing popular will. A common point between analyses is that low participation signifies more than just an electoral number. Bask Manar links the 38.02 percent turnout rate to a declining trust in elections, political parties, and state institutions. Bask Manar relies on a downward trend in voter participation observed since 2011 to support this assessment. Mohamed Qandil offers a broader political interpretation, viewing abstention as an expression of rejection of an electoral process that does not change decision-making balances.
Broader Political and Social Context
The rise of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) to the top of the election results is linked to its relationship with centers of influence and interest networks. Criticisms were directed at some components and figures of the PAM regarding suspicions of corruption and alleged links to illicit networks. The prominence of Fouzi Lekjaa in the political scene reflects the continued priority of major projects and investments, particularly those linked to international sports events, amid a perceived decline in attention to citizens' social priorities. Expectations include continued pressure on purchasing power, rising prices, and deepening social inequalities, as resources are directed towards major projects and sports preparations while public sectors like health and education face difficulties. The elections are also placed within a broader context of foreign policy, with criticisms arising over the continued Moroccan-Israeli rapprochement. Cooperation between Morocco and Israel has extended beyond diplomacy to security, military, economic, and cultural fields. This rapprochement does not reflect the positions of segments of Moroccan society that reject normalization and support the Palestinian cause.