Elections in Morocco Question the Prospect for Change
The Kingdom of Morocco held Parliamentary elections earlier this month, where the Justice and Development Party (PJD) was delivered a crushing defeat. The PJD, a moderate Islamist party had been predominant since 2011. The National Rally of Independents (RNI) won the majority of the seats. While the Parliamentary system is still under the final authority of the monarch King, the RNI’s majority win signals a new era for the Moroccan government.
Recent political struggles and the perpetuation of economic and social issues that plague marginalized communities are seen as the cause for the election upset. Just over half of the eligible voting population participated in the election, signaling growing discontent with the constitutional monarchy that has ruled over Morocco for decades.
The structure of voting in this election was also altered, in what was seen as an attempt to increase voter turnout and make it harder for large parties to consolidate as many seats. This year, both parliamentary and local elections were held on the same day, a move made for the convenience of voters. The changes were effective, given the roughly 7% increase in voter turnout from the 2016 election.
Morocco has long had issues with authoritarianism, and this election alludes back to other similar protests in the nation’s recent history. Following the Arab spring and disillusionment with the monarchy in 2011, Mohammed VI dissolved Parliament and drafted a new constitution that was said to limit the power of the monarchy, and give citizens more control over the government. This new constitution had nearly unanimous support from citizens, reflecting the success of the Arab Spring in improving power balances within the government. However, the movements for reform dwindled and the new constitution still left the King virtually autocratic and failed to deliver on its promises of reform. The mellowing of the movement and lack of a true shift in authority is likely what has brought the nation to a revival period of demanding change.
Moroccans have previously called for an expansion of civil liberties, domestic and social improvements, and an end to the authoritarianism that they are still under despite the new constitution. While some economic advancements were made, incidents of police brutality and censorship of the press and people have plagued the life of Moroccans in recent years. Additionally, economic gains primarily benefit the monarchy and upper class, while major socioeconomic disparities perpetuate inequality of citizens. Many regions face underfunding of healthcare, education, and housing, and lack access to clean drinking water and electricity. The culmination of these issues has resulted in protests that are considered the cause for the domination of the RNI in the elections, and the transition of power to a new party.
The King has emphasized the need for economic reform, however, in promoting a new economic development plan to address the challenges faced by the nation. The project, coming straight from Mohammed VI, also signifies an admission of failure on the economic front of the government. The plan focuses on investing in maritime resources and creating sustainable energy, intending to generate more economic growth and investing in the nation’s southern provinces. The development vision has been supported by the RNI and should act in tandem with Akhannouch’s goals of creating more jobs and lifting the nation out of the hardships it was dealt with during the pandemic.
Aziz Akhannouch, a billionaire and former minister of agriculture, has been designated the new prime minister and is tasked with creating a new government for the nation. In his bid for election, he focused primarily on solving economic issues within the country, such as the shrinking of the economy during the pandemic and the rapid increase in poverty. Akhannouch’s platform addresses the socio-economic concerns to which citizens have been calling attention. Still, as the broad sweeping power of the monarchy hovers over all aspects of government, many question the legitimacy of his promises and the ability to promote reform within the system.
Akhannouch has formed a coalition with two other parties, the liberal Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) and the conservative Istiqlal, allowing Akhannouch to hold a strong majority in Parliament. However, both Akhannouch and the parties involved have been seen as ‘close to the palace’ by voters, leading many Moroccans to believe that the elections are little more than a facade meant to legitimize the government. This also brings into question the prospect of achieving any success in expanding liberties. His relationship with the monarchy also undermines hope that he might deliver on the central qualm of citizens: the unlimited power of the King.
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