Morocco's PAM Secures Parliamentary Victory but Faces Coalition Challenge

Parliamentary Gains, Political Constraints

After a contentious election cycle, Morocco's Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has secured the largest number of seats in the House of Representatives, taking 97 out of 395 total positions. While this is a strong showing for the monarchy-aligned party, it's not enough to form a majority government on its own—PAM needs 198 seats, and falls short by more than 100.

This outcome places the ruling coalition in a challenging position: they must now negotiate with other parties to create a governing coalition. The political landscape is further complicated by a resurgence of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), which doubled its parliamentary presence to 54 seats, signaling a notable comeback after a sharp decline in 2021.

"PAM has clearly maintained its dominant role in Moroccan politics, but it's now clear that governing will require more than just political muscle," said one senior political analyst. "The question is how quickly they can assemble a stable coalition given the deep divisions among opposition forces."

The PJD's return has added an element of unpredictability to the government formation process, as the two parties have long been at odds. Their rivalry makes it unlikely that they will form a partnership, leaving PAM to seek support from parties such as Istiqlal—the third-largest party in the legislature—or smaller independents.

Fragmented Political Landscape

One notable development is the loss of influence by the National Rally of Independents (RNI), PAM's senior coalition partner. The RNI dropped from 102 to just 66 seats—a significant setback that weakens the alliance between the two parties.

The fragmentation within the political class reflects broader issues facing Moroccan society. Youth-led protests over employment, healthcare, and education in 2025 created a climate of disengagement that is evident in voter turnout figures. Only 38% of Morocco's 15.8 million registered voters participated in the election—the second-lowest turnout since King Mohammed VI came to power in 1999.

"It's concerning when citizens don't feel represented," said Dr. Amina El Mansouri, a political sociologist based in Rabat. "The low turnout isn't just about apathy—it's about distrust of the system and its ability to deliver change."

Leadership Options and Historic Potential

With a new government expected soon, potential candidates for prime minister have emerged from within PAM itself. Among them are Fouzi Lekjaa, head of Morocco's football federation and the budget minister, and Fatima Ezzahra Mansouri, mayor of Marrakech and minister of national planning, urban planning, housing, and urban policy.

Mansouri's potential rise to leadership would mark a historic moment for Morocco. If chosen as prime minister, she would become the country's first woman in the role—a symbolic win amid ongoing discussions about gender equity in politics.

“We're witnessing a shift not just in power dynamics but also in who gets to hold influence,” said political commentator Youssef Benali. "It's important that this transition reflects the aspirations of Morocco's evolving society, especially its younger population."

World Cup Aspirations and Economic Realities

The incoming government will inherit a critical project: preparing for the 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. The event is seen as both an economic opportunity and a chance to reassert Morocco's global identity.

However, the looming challenge is that this moment of national pride must be balanced with domestic economic difficulties. The country continues to grapple with unemployment among youth, inadequate public services, and growing inequality. These issues have not only shaped voter behavior but also influenced how parties frame their agendas.

"The World Cup can serve as a catalyst for infrastructure development, but it will only work if Morocco addresses underlying economic and social challenges," noted economist Dr. Khalid Chraibi. "There's real pressure on the next leadership to deliver results quickly."

The government will need to leverage international investments, tourism opportunities, and urban renewal plans while managing expectations from a population weary of broken promises.

Looking Ahead: Stability vs. Reform

Despite the challenges, PAM's electoral success indicates that the party retains significant support among voters who value stability and continuity under the monarchy. That said, there is growing impatience with the status quo, particularly among the younger generation.

Political experts believe that the new government will be under pressure to prove it can deliver on reform without alienating key stakeholders in the ruling coalition. This delicate balance may define Morocco's political trajectory for years to come.

• PAM's dominance reflects a strong base, but not enough to govern unilaterally
• The PJD's comeback introduces new complexity into coalition-building efforts
• Low voter turnout highlights deep-seated public dissatisfaction with governance
• 2030 World Cup creates both opportunity and pressure for the next administration

The political narrative in Morocco remains one of tension between tradition and transformation. With King Mohammed VI at the helm, the monarchy's role in shaping coalition dynamics cannot be understated.

As Morocco prepares to navigate these early weeks of a new parliamentary term, all eyes will be on how PAM manages its relationship with other parties—and whether it can meet the growing demands of a changing society.