Morocco's PJD: A Party Rebuilding Its Foundation After a Stark Fall

From Power to Peril

Just over a decade ago, Morocco's Justice and Development Party (PJD) was at the heart of the country's post-2011 democratic reforms. In 2011, it emerged as the dominant political force, winning 107 parliamentary seats and electing its leader, Abdelilah Benkirane, as head of government. The party's rise was a direct result of popular protests calling for political accountability and institutional reform. It was a moment of promise, a vision of governance shaped by Islamic values but embedded in democratic norms.

Yet, by 2021, that promise had eroded. In a stunning reversal, the PJD lost nearly all of its parliamentary seats—dropping from 125 to just 13—marking one of the most dramatic political collapses in recent Moroccan history. The party's electoral defeat was not merely a blip; it signaled an enduring crisis of confidence among voters who once viewed the PJD as a stabilizing force.

The fallout from this collapse has prompted serious introspection within the party. How did a party with such a strong political brand and a decade in government end up on the margins? And more critically, what lessons have emerged that could shape its return?

"The party was able to overcome its crisis following its extraordinary and regular congresses, and after Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane took over the leadership," said Saad al-Sabahi, a regional secretariat member of the PJD. "The party also reorganised its internal affairs through communication and the renewal of its structures."

Benkirane's Brand: A Double-Edged Sword

Abdelilah Benkirane remains one of Morocco's most recognizable political figures. His media presence, direct communication style, and long-standing role in the party have created a personal brand that the PJD now seeks to leverage for its comeback. But while his leadership is critical, it is not sufficient on its own.

The question is whether Benkirane's visibility can translate into broader party support. His profile may draw attention—but does it generate trust and confidence in the PJD's future direction? The party's task is to move from being a brand tied to one person to becoming a political force with a clear identity, a coherent platform, and credible governance experience.

As political analyst Hamid El Fadili notes, "Benkirane has always been more of a political entrepreneur than an institutionalist. His strength lies in mobilizing public support, but that doesn't guarantee institutional reform or policy competence."

The PJD's New Political Agenda

In response to its defeat and to reassert its relevance, the PJD has released a 2026 electoral programme containing 467 measures across five broad categories: identity and family; political and institutional reform; public services and social protection; the economy and employment; and foreign policy.

The document places significant emphasis on issues that resonate with ordinary Moroccans—prices, jobs, schools, hospitals, corruption, and housing. These are not just buzzwords but practical concerns that the party must now deliver on if it hopes to regain voter trust.

One of the party's key commitments involves transparency in public procurement and addressing conflicts of interest. It also aims to improve access to public services, particularly healthcare and education, which have become pressing concerns for many citizens.

The programme is not just a political document—it's an attempt by the PJD to demonstrate its evolved thinking and renewed commitment to accountability. "These commitments cover a range of sectors and areas affecting the lives of the Moroccan people," al-Sabahi said. "We will work to fulfill and implement them with integrity and competence."

Rebuilding Trust: A Challenge for the Youth

One of the most significant challenges facing the PJD is reconnecting with younger voters, who were among the party's most vocal supporters during its early years. The 2021 defeat, however, showed how far that support had eroded—particularly among youth who are increasingly skeptical of traditional political structures.

Imane Traifi, a member of the PJD Youth wing, emphasized the need for more than just campaign mobilization: "We are keen to ensure that young people move from being recipients to becoming participants, initiators and people who take on responsibility."

The party's strategy now involves creating sustained engagement with youth through training, mentorship, and opportunities for political participation. This is not about one-off events or electoral campaigns but a long-term investment in building trust with the next generation.

"Earning the trust of a new generation of young people cannot be reduced to electoral mobilisation or short-term campaigns in the run-up to voting day," said Yassine Elachiri, a member of the National Bureau of PJD Youth. "Rather, it is a cumulative process built on sustained engagement, guidance, training and creating opportunities for young people to participate actively in public affairs."

The Ghosts and Crocodiles: A Political Reality Check

Benkirane has long referred to “ghosts and crocodiles” as metaphors for hidden or powerful interests that obstruct political change. This language underscores a core tension in the PJD's narrative—its desire to reform while operating within a system where the monarchy holds significant sway.

This dynamic is especially evident in Morocco's approach to Israel. Despite the PJD's strong stance against normalization with Israel, the country did establish diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under the leadership of Saadeddine Othmani, then head of government. The PJD opposed the move, calling it a betrayal of its principles.

The party has since reaffirmed its opposition, but this contradiction reveals an uncomfortable truth: even when the PJD holds power, its ability to shape national policy may be limited by the monarchy's strategic authority.

Under Morocco's constitution, the king chairs the Council of Ministers and sets the strategic orientations of state policy. That includes decisions on Israel, Western Sahara, and other sensitive issues where the monarchy's role remains paramount.

The Limits of Reform

What distinguishes the PJD today is its adherence to reform within Morocco's existing constitutional framework—rather than challenging the monarchy directly. Benkirane has consistently reaffirmed his support for the monarchy while pushing for stronger parliamentary and democratic institutions.

This approach offers stability but also constrains ambition. It means that any future PJD government must navigate a political landscape where its capacity to act is shaped by royal oversight, even when its ideology is progressive or reformist.

For the PJD, this is not just a tactical position—it's a strategic choice. The party has learned that in Morocco, the path to change often involves working within structures rather than tearing them down. But it also means that any meaningful shift must be patient and incremental.

A Question of Legitimacy

The PJD's return raises deeper questions about political legitimacy in Morocco. What does it mean to govern in a constitutional monarchy? How can a party with an Islamic identity maintain relevance without alienating secular voters or losing credibility among moderate Muslims?

These challenges are not unique to the PJD—they reflect broader tensions in Moroccan politics and across the region, where democratic reform often runs up against entrenched institutions. For the PJD, rebuilding its political base is not just about winning back seats; it's about redefining what it means to be a progressive force in Morocco today.

Ultimately, the party's path forward depends on two things: restoring public trust and delivering tangible results. As al-Sabahi put it, "We will work to restore the gains that citizens previously enjoyed and to restore their dignity and rights." That sentiment, if matched by real action, could be the key to the PJD's reemergence.