Morocco election tests youth trust as World Cup spending looms

Moroccans voted on Wednesday in a parliamentary election shaped by growing frustration among young people, high unemployment despite a thriving economy, and demands for better schools, hospitals and housing. The vote will decide the makeup of the 395-seat House of Representatives and the next prime minister, with results expected on Thursday.

The next government will serve alongside a powerful monarchy that retains broad authority over strategic affairs. It will also oversee billions of dollars in investment as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, leading some to describe it as the "World Cup government", while facing pressure to address daily concerns such as jobs, wages and the cost of living.

Voting centres across the North African kingdom were scheduled to remain open from 8 am to 7 pm local time, with nearly 16 million registered voters eligible to cast their ballots. Under the Moroccan Constitution, the king must appoint the head of government from the party that wins the most seats in the legislative election.

As no single party is expected to win an absolute majority, the leading party will have to negotiate with others to form a governing coalition. Voters are choosing among 7,288 candidates from 27 political parties.

For many young Moroccans, the election comes at a time of growing doubt over whether political participation can improve daily life. Some have turned to street protests, while others have considered leaving the country or staying away from the ballot box. The election is the first since deadly youth-led protests nearly a year ago and a mass attempt by migrants to cross Morocco's northern border into the Spanish territory of Ceuta.

Some groups, including the far-left party The Democratic Path, called for a boycott of the election, saying it "lacks the minimum conditions of democracy". The banned but tolerated Islamist association Al-Adl Wal Ihsane made similar claims.

The constitution recognises the right to vote for Moroccans living abroad, but there is no voting by mail or ballot boxes at Moroccan consulates. Instead, they must travel to Morocco to vote or authorise a registered family member or acquaintance to vote on their behalf.

The number of registered voters has fallen by 9.7 per cent since the 2021 election even as Morocco's population has grown, and analysts expect low turnout. The election will decide the next government at a time when Morocco is balancing major investment plans with pressure to respond to everyday public concerns.