Morocco votes in House of Representatives elections — Asharq Al-Awsat

Voting in elections for Morocco’s 395-seat House of Representatives took place on September 23. Voter turnout was 38%, and the results were expected on September 24, Asharq Al-Awsat reports.

The elections will determine the composition of the government

A total of 7,288 candidates from 27 political parties competed for seats. No political force is expected to win an absolute majority, so the winner will have to negotiate the formation of a coalition government.

Morocco’s constitution stipulates that the king appoints as head of government a representative of the party that wins the most seats in parliamentary elections. The new government will operate alongside the monarchy, which retains broad powers in strategic matters.

Economic and social issues

The vote took place amid youth discontent, high unemployment despite economic growth, and demands to improve schools, hospitals, and housing. The new authorities will also have to address employment, wages, and the cost of living.

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The next government will oversee multibillion-dollar investments linked to Morocco’s preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup. For this reason, some call the future cabinet the “World Cup government.”

Possible candidates for prime minister

Among possible contenders for the post of head of government, the publication names Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, who recently joined the PAM party. Another candidate is 50-year-old Marrakech mayor and urban planning minister Fatima-Zahra Mansouri. If appointed, she would become the first woman to serve as Morocco’s prime minister.

Polling stations operated, among other places, in Rabat and Casablanca, where voters of different ages formed small queues to vote.