Morocco’s PAM wins 97 parliamentary seats but falls short of a majority, setting the stage for coalition talks and a new government.
PAM Wins Morocco Parliamentary Election but Falls Short of Majority
Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) has emerged as the largest party in the country’s 2026 parliamentary election, winning 97 of the 395 seats in the House of Representatives.
Despite securing the highest number of seats, PAM has failed to win an outright majority and will need to negotiate with other political parties to form a government. A majority requires 198 seats.
The election results are expected to trigger coalition negotiations as Morocco prepares for a new government under King Mohammed VI. Under the country’s constitution, the monarch appoints the prime minister from the party that wins the most seats in the parliamentary election.
PAM Emerges as Morocco’s Largest Parliamentary Party
PAM, which has been part of the governing coalition, was established in 2008 by Fouad Ali El Himma, a longtime associate of King Mohammed VI. The party has traditionally positioned itself as a major political counterweight to the Justice and Development Party (PJD), a moderate Islamist party.
PAM’s 97 seats put it ahead of its rivals, but the result also highlights the fragmented nature of Morocco’s parliament. The party will have to secure support from other political groups to reach the 198-seat threshold needed to control the lower house.
The coalition-building process could therefore play a major role in determining Morocco’s next government and its policy priorities.
PJD Makes Major Comeback
One of the most notable developments in the Morocco parliamentary election was the strong return of the PJD.
After suffering a dramatic decline in the 2021 election, when it was reduced to just 13 seats, the party increased its representation to 54 seats in 2026.
However, the PJD’s longstanding political rivalry with PAM makes a coalition between the two parties unlikely. The PJD has indicated that it intends to remain in opposition rather than join a PAM-led government.
The result means PAM is expected to look toward other parties, including the monarchist Istiqlal Party, as it attempts to build a parliamentary majority.
RNI Suffers Significant Seat Losses
PAM’s senior coalition partner, the National Rally of Independents (RNI), also experienced a major setback.
RNI, which previously held 102 seats, saw its representation fall to 66 seats. The decline could affect the balance of power within any future governing coalition.
With no single party holding a majority, negotiations among Morocco’s political parties are likely to determine the composition of the next government.
Low Voter Turnout Raises Political Engagement Concerns
Voter turnout was another major feature of Morocco’s 2026 parliamentary election.
Only about 38 percent of Morocco’s 15.8 million registered voters participated in the election. That represents one of the lowest turnout rates since King Mohammed VI became monarch in 1999.
The turnout was slightly higher than the record low of 37 percent recorded in 2007 but significantly below the approximately 51 percent participation recorded in 2021.
Low voter participation has raised questions about political engagement and public confidence in the electoral process. Analysts have linked voter disengagement to concerns surrounding employment, healthcare and education, particularly among younger Moroccans.
Youth-led protests in the previous year had focused on economic opportunities and access to essential public services. Migration-related incidents, including deadly attempts by migrants to reach Spain’s North African enclave of Ceuta, also contributed to a challenging political environment.
Who Could Become Morocco’s Next Prime Minister?
Attention is now turning to potential candidates for Morocco’s next prime minister.
Among the names being discussed are PAM figures Fouzi Lekjaa and Fatima Ezzahra Mansouri.
Lekjaa is the president of Morocco’s football federation and serves as budget minister. His involvement in the country’s economic and sporting affairs has made him a prominent figure as Morocco prepares for major international events.
Mansouri is another potential candidate. She is a senior PAM politician and currently serves as mayor of Marrakech as well as minister responsible for national planning, urban planning, housing and urban policy.
If selected as prime minister, Mansouri would make history as Morocco’s first woman to hold the position.
Morocco’s New Government Faces Major Challenges
The incoming Moroccan government will face significant economic and political responsibilities.
One of its major priorities will be overseeing billions of dollars in investment as Morocco prepares to cohost the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Infrastructure development, housing, employment, healthcare and education are expected to remain important issues as the new government takes shape.
The 2026 election has therefore produced both a clear leading party and a fragmented parliament. PAM’s victory gives it the first opportunity to form a government, but its 97 seats mean coalition negotiations will be essential.
The coming political discussions will determine which parties join the next government and how Morocco responds to the economic and social challenges facing the country.
