Youth Vote in Morocco’s Parliamentary Election

Ahead of Morocco’s parliamentary elections, young voters face high unemployment and political disengagement. Candidates, including young attorney Yassine Moujane, are trying to win their support by addressing job creation, education, and infrastructure. The election comes after last year’s youth pr…

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:34:44 GMT

As Morocco prepares for its parliamentary elections on Wednesday, the country’s young voters are at the center of a political debate that could shape the nation’s future. With unemployment among 15‑ to 24‑year‑olds hovering at 37% and a low voter registration rate, candidates are racing to win the hearts of a demographic that feels ignored by the political establishment.

Political Landscape and the Upcoming Vote

Morocco’s electoral arena is crowded: 7,288 candidates from 27 parties will vie for 395 seats in the House of Representatives. The party that wins the most seats will supply the next prime minister, a role that will be critical as the country gears up to co‑host the 2030 FIFA World Cup and launch large infrastructure projects. Yet the election follows a period of unrest, including last year’s youth‑led protests and a mass migration attempt to Spain’s Ceuta, where several young Moroccans lost their lives trying to cross the border.

Young Voters’ Concerns and the Rise of Gen Z Protesters

Unemployment, lack of quality education, and inadequate public services are the main grievances of Morocco’s youth. A 28‑year‑old unemployed man from Sidi Moussa El Majdoub, Yassine Hasnaoui, told reporters that politicians “don’t care about us.” He added that many of his peers feel that elected officials come from higher social classes and are detached from everyday realities. The same frustrations were echoed by those who joined the 2023 protests, demanding better schools, hospitals, housing, and a healthier environment.

Despite these demands, only about 4% of Morocco’s 15.8 million registered voters are aged 18 to 24, even though they represent roughly 12% of the population. Registration is not automatic; young citizens must actively sign up, a process that many overlook or find inaccessible.

Yassine Moujane: A Young Candidate Trying to Bridge the Gap

At 28, attorney Yassine Moujane is one of the youngest faces on the ballot. He represents the Democratic and Social Movement, a pro‑establishment party that has struggled to connect with younger voters. Moujane’s campaign strategy included a visit to a funeral in Sidi Moussa El Majdoub, where he met mourners, listened to their concerns, and quietly asked for votes. The funeral, held for an elderly woman, became an unexpected platform for political outreach.

“I used to plead for my clients in court, and now, the time has come to plead for Moroccans in parliament,” Moujane said to the Associated Press. He emphasized that young people can and should participate in politics, noting that he had defended protesters arrested during the Gen Z demonstrations. He believes that the same demands expressed by the demonstrators—better schools, hospitals, housing, and environmental improvements—are central to his party’s platform.

Challenges Facing the Youth and the Political System

Morocco’s political power remains highly centralized in the monarchy. King Mohammed VI retains broad authority over foreign policy, national security, and the appointment of the head of government. While the constitution allows the king to appoint a prime minister from the party that wins the most seats, many young Moroccans view the monarchy as an anchor of stability rather than a vehicle for change. This perception has contributed to a sense that political parties are unresponsive and that the monarchy is the only institution capable of delivering reforms.

Experts such as Steven Höfner, head of the Rabat office at the German think tank Konrad Adenauer Stiftung, argue that the lack of political knowledge, poor communication from elites, and a perception of elitism have led to low youth engagement. Yet some young voters see value in participating, hoping that a new parliament could influence minimum wage policies, public sector hiring, and family law reforms.

What Comes Next?

The election will determine not only the composition of the House of Representatives but also the direction of Morocco’s economic and social policies. The next government will oversee billions of dollars in infrastructure projects, including the expansion of the high‑speed rail network and the development of the Tanger Med port. However, the real test will be whether the new parliament can translate economic growth—projected at 4.2% by the World Bank—into job creation and improved public services for the country’s youth.

As Morocco moves forward, the engagement of young voters will be a critical barometer of the country’s democratic health. Whether candidates like Moujane can successfully mobilize this demographic remains to be seen, but the stakes are clear: a government that listens to the needs of its youngest citizens could set the stage for a more inclusive and prosperous future.

Key facts

Youth unemployment in Morocco stands at 37% for ages 15‑24
Only 4% of registered voters are aged 18‑24, despite representing 12% of the population
Candidates like Yassine Moujane are targeting young voters with promises of job creation and better public services
The monarchy retains significant power, influencing perceptions of political responsiveness
The election follows last year’s youth protests and a surge of migrants to Ceuta
The next government will oversee major infrastructure projects tied to the 2030 World Cup

Why it matters

The outcome of Morocco’s parliamentary elections will shape policies that directly affect the country’s young population, whose unemployment and political disengagement pose long‑term challenges to social stability and economic growth.

Frequently asked questions

Why are so few young people registered to vote in Morocco?

In Morocco, voters must actively register after reaching the age of 18; many young people overlook or find the process inaccessible, leading to low registration rates.

What are the main concerns of Moroccan youth?

High unemployment, lack of quality education, inadequate public services, and a perception that politicians are detached from everyday realities.

How does the monarchy influence Moroccan politics?

King Mohammed VI holds broad powers over foreign policy, national security, and can appoint the prime minister, leading many to view the monarchy as the main source of stability and reform.