Morocco's PAM Party Wins Election, Faces Coalition Test Ahead of World Cup
Morocco's Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has emerged victorious in the country's parliamentary elections, securing 97 of 395 seats in the House of Representatives. The final results, announced by the Interior Ministry on Friday, confirm that the center-right party, founded by a royal adviser close to King Mohammed VI, will need to forge alliances to form a government.
What do the election results mean for Morocco's stability?
PAM fell short of an absolute majority, meaning coalition negotiations are now underway. The party has already ruled out an alliance with the National Rally of Independents (RNI), which suffered significant losses, dropping to 66 seats. Instead, PAM is expected to partner with the third-place Istiqlal party and smaller factions to secure a governing majority.
The moderate Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) surged to 54 seats, up from just 13 in 2021, but has declared it will remain in opposition. A PAM-PJD coalition is considered unlikely given their longstanding political rivalry.
Who could become Morocco's next prime minister?
Two names are circulating as potential prime ministers. Fouzi Lakjaa, 56, president of Morocco's soccer federation and budget overseer, recently joined PAM and has gained popularity following Morocco's recent sporting achievements. Alternatively, Fatima-Zahra Mansouri, 50, the mayor of Marrakech and minister of urban planning, could make history as Morocco's first female prime minister. The party operates under collective leadership, with Mansouri serving as coordinator.
What challenges await the next government?
The incoming administration faces mounting pressure from young Moroccans frustrated by high unemployment, inadequate public services, and rising living costs. These concerns shaped Wednesday's vote, which saw only 38% turnout, the lowest since 2007. Six million of 15.8 million registered voters participated in the sixth election since King Mohammed VI took the throne 27 years ago.
The new government will also oversee billions in investment as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 World Cup, a role that has earned the next cabinet the nickname the 'World Cup government.'
How did PAM survive the trafficking scandal?
Despite a major drug- and gold-trafficking scandal involving senior PAM members, several of whom received prison sentences, the party increased its seat count. This resilience reflects a broader pattern of political continuity in the kingdom, even amid public discontent.
What about the anti-Israel incident during the campaign?
Among the newly elected PJD lawmakers is Aziz Henawi, an activist who gained notoriety in Israel in July. During a protest against a planned visit by Israeli Transportation Minister Miri Regev, Henawi stood on an Israeli flag and accused Jackie Kadosh, a leader of Morocco's Jewish community, of being an Israeli agent. Such incidents underscore the delicate balance Morocco maintains between its ties with Israel and domestic political currents.
The Moroccan Constitution requires the king to appoint a prime minister from the winning party. As negotiations proceed, the Jewish state watches closely, mindful that Morocco's stability and its continued warming relations with Israel remain intertwined.