Morocco’s parliamentary elections are underway, but for many young citizens, the political process is nothing more than a disconnected circus. Despite aggressive campaigning featuring viral football slogans and promises of one million new jobs by 2031, voters remain deeply skeptical of a political class that offers little beyond recycled rhetoric.
The desperation in the country is evident, underscored by a massive migration surge earlier this year that saw 60,000 people attempt to cross into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, a tragedy that resulted in at least 100 deaths.
While the government attempts to maintain a veneer of stability, the reality is a 37.3% youth unemployment rate that has fueled recent protests and widespread civil unrest. Over 2,400 individuals faced prosecution following demonstrations against the cost of living and the current administration.
In a transparent attempt to capture populist energy, the Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) is centering its campaign on attacking the Abraham Accords and demanding an end to diplomatic ties with Israel.
Despite these performative outbursts, the Moroccan government recently reaffirmed its commitment to the relationship, moving to open full embassies with Israel. Meanwhile, centrist parties are attempting to leverage the popularity of national football figures to distract from a lack of structural economic reform.
Experts note that major political parties are not competing over alternative models of governance, but rather vying for position within a system where executive power remains firmly under the authority of King Mohammed VI.
For the disillusioned youth, the choice is between participating in a system they view as broken or seeking change through grassroots community building, as the promises of the political elite continue to ring hollow.
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