Moroccan Islamist Party Suffers Crushing Defeat in Legislative Elections, Expert Analyzes

In an interview with Maroc Diplomatique, the geographer, who had predicted a drop in the PJD’s electoral score between 30 and 40%, noted that the results obtained by the Islamist party (12 seats in the first chamber) were worse than his predictions, which some had already described as too pessimistic.

"The PJD has suffered an impressive sanction vote in a context of broader mobilization. In addition to the two terms at the head of the government, the party is paying above all for its inability to manage the major Moroccan cities since 2015. On the other hand, the RNI is making a remarkable breakthrough by almost tripling its number of elected representatives in the House of Representatives. Moreover, its victory was slowed by the new electoral quotient," the expert pointed out.

He explained that "the RNI is benefiting from a renewed image due to the management of the COVID crisis by its ministers, a very intense electoral campaign on the ground and on social networks. Finally, there was no further fragmentation of the House of Representatives, with voters massively favoring the major political parties."

Speaking about the possible alliances to form the government majority, he recalled that the RNI has already allied with the Istiqlal and the USFP in the professional elections last August. It is also very close to the UC. It can therefore form a tightened government with these allies, ensuring a comfortable majority. The question is whether the PAM will remain in the opposition, he stressed.

Regarding the turnout rate, David Goeury indicated that it reflects an enthusiasm for these elections, even if the number of voters remains far below the exceptional mobilization of 1997. For the leading political parties, it is a victory, as it reinforces their legitimacy.

However, caution is required, as only one Moroccan in three of voting age voted on September 8. The country remains marked by massive abstention, especially among young people, as only 33% of 18-24 year olds are registered on the electoral rolls, he explained.