Building Trust: Morocco’s 2026 Elections to Focus on Transparency and Youth Engagement

In Rabat, cross-party consultations mark a key step in electoral reforms envisioned by King Mohammed VI during his recent Throne Day address

RABAT — August 4, 2025
In a pivotal step toward Morocco’s next democratic milestone, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit held a series of formal consultations in Rabat this week with leaders from the country’s major political parties to kick off preparations for the 2026 legislative elections. The meetings come in direct response to King Mohammed VI’s Throne Day address, in which he urged institutional reform, political renewal, and greater civic participation.

The consultations aim to ensure consensus on critical elements of the electoral process, including campaign finance, regional representation, digital voting infrastructure, and youth engagement.

“This is not just about preparing for elections; it’s about restoring citizens’ trust in politics,” said Dr. Souad El Malki, a political science professor at Mohamed V University. “The monarchy is signaling that inclusive governance and modernization must go hand-in-hand.”

King’s Vision of Electoral Renewal

In his July 30th speech, King Mohammed VI emphasized the urgency of addressing voter apathy, regional disparities, and the need for a more dynamic political class. The monarch called on government institutions to foster a climate of trust and transparency in the lead-up to 2026.

“The next legislative term must reflect the real aspirations of Moroccans in all regions, from the Rif to the Sahara,” the King stated. “Political parties must step up, modernize their structures, and speak to the concerns of youth and women.”

Multi-Party Cooperation and Reform Focus

Minister Laftit met separately with representatives of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), National Rally of Independents (RNI), Istiqlal, Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), and smaller opposition and regional parties.

Topics reportedly discussed include:

• Updating the electoral code to reflect technological and demographic realities
• Gender parity mechanisms in candidate selection
• Funding and oversight for digital campaigns
• Expanding the role of civil society organizations in monitoring

RNI spokesperson Mustapha Baitas praised the early dialogue as “a sign of institutional maturity,” while opposition party leaders insisted on the need for electoral integrity and meaningful decentralization.

Human Impact: Bridging the Political Divide

For ordinary Moroccans, especially in underserved regions, the 2026 elections represent more than a political event — they are a litmus test for whether longstanding disparities will finally be addressed. In Beni Mellal, for instance, high youth unemployment and crumbling infrastructure have fueled cynicism toward political promises.

“We hear talk of reforms every five years, but little changes,” said Fatima Zouhair, a community activist. “If they want us to vote, they must prove they’re listening.”

The Interior Ministry has pledged to launch public awareness campaigns and to collaborate with municipalities to encourage voter registration and participation, particularly among first-time and rural voters.

Broader Significance for Morocco’s Democratic Trajectory

As Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, global attention is already turning to how the kingdom balances economic modernization with democratic development. The success of the 2026 elections may define how the world views Morocco’s political maturity — and how Moroccans view themselves.