Authenticity and Modernity Party wins most seats in Morocco's election

Summary

The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the leading party in Morocco's legislative election, winning 97 seats, followed by the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 66 seats and the Istiqlal party with 65 seats, according to preliminary results announced on September 24, 2026. This election is significant as it sets the stage for a new coalition government that will oversee vital preparations for the 2030 World Cup and address pressing issues such as youth discontent and social inequalities. With a voter turnout of only 38.02%, PAM faces the challenge of forming a coalition, having ruled out a partnership with RNI due to ongoing disputes. Under Morocco's constitution, the king will appoint the prime minister from the party that secures the most seats, highlighting the monarch's considerable influence over government formation.

Analysis

RNI: RNI, or the National Rally of Independents, is a Moroccan political party that participated in the outgoing government coalition. It finished second in the latest parliamentary election. The party faced challenges in the campaign related to economic issues and governance criticisms before the vote. Fouzi Lekjaa: Fouzi Lekjaa is Morocco's budget minister and head of the national football federation. He joined the Authenticity and Modernity Party shortly before the election and contributed to its campaign. Observers view him as a potential candidate for prime minister due to his rising profile. Istiqlal Party: The Istiqlal Party is a longstanding Moroccan political organisation that formed part of the previous governing coalition. It placed third in the recent legislative election. The party is expected to play a role in post-election coalition negotiations. Aziz Akhannouch: Aziz Akhannouch is a Moroccan businessman and politician who served as prime minister from 2021 until stepping down recently as leader of the RNI party. He led the outgoing government coalition but did not contest the latest election. His tenure drew scrutiny over economic policies and public discontent. Abdelouafi Laftit: Abdelouafi Laftit serves as Morocco's Interior Minister and oversees electoral processes. He publicly announced the preliminary results of the recent parliamentary election during an official briefing. His statements confirmed the seat distribution among leading parties. Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri: Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is the current leader of the Authenticity and Modernity Party. If appointed by the king, she could become head of government and the second woman to hold that role in the Arab region. Her leadership positions the party to negotiate the next coalition. Authenticity and Modernity Party: The Authenticity and Modernity Party, also known as PAM, is a liberal-centrist political party in Morocco founded in 2008. It positions itself as a secular-leaning force advocating social modernisation and has served as a counterweight to Islamist parties. In the recent legislative election, PAM secured the largest share of seats and will lead efforts to form the next coalition government overseeing major national initiatives. Royal Authority: Morocco's king holds extensive powers over policy, defence and foreign affairs and appoints the prime minister from the leading party. National Priorities: The incoming government will manage final preparations for the 2030 World Cup along with efforts to reduce inequalities and address youth concerns. Government Formation: The election outcome requires PAM to form a coalition government, with leaders ruling out renewed partnership with RNI amid mutual accusations.

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