Morocco's Youth Before the 2026 Election

One year ahead of the parliamentary elections, there is a low level of political participation among young people in Morocco. Despite overall economic progress and gradual democratic reforms under King Mohammed VI since 1999, many young Moroccans feel excluded from political decision-making, distrust parliamentary institutions, and see limited personal opportunities. Around four million first-time voters – about 15 percent of the electorate – could play a decisive role, yet only 33.6 percent registered for the 2021 elections, indicating persistently weak youth engagement.

While Morocco has expanded democratic mechanisms, including constitutional reforms in 2011 and plans to reintroduce youth quotas on party lists, political power remains highly centralized in the monarchy, and parties are widely perceived by youth as unresponsive. As a result, many young people neither vote nor participate in parties, often citing lack of political knowledge, disinterest, and poor communication from political elites.

Recent nationwide “Gen Z” protests in autumn 2025 marked a shift toward extra-institutional participation. Triggered by deaths in a hospital and amplified via social media, the protests voiced frustration over social inequality, corruption, and underfunding of health and education, contrasting with large investments in sports infrastructure. These movements show that youth are politically aware but prefer informal, digital channels with low barriers to entry.

In response, the government is considering electoral reforms, including quotas of up to 50 percent for candidates under 35 years and financial incentives for parties and young independent candidates. But youth inclusion will depend not only on institutional

reforms but also on strengthening political education and improving political communication, particularly through social media and schools.