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    Morocco Holds Parliamentary Elections Amid Economic Discontent and Migrant Crisis

    Section editor: ·Low3 articles covering this·3 news sources·Updated an hour ago·MENA
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    Infographic depicting Morocco's 2026 elections, highlighting youth unemployment and migrant surge issues.

    What happened

    Moroccan parliamentary elections took place on September 23, 2026, amid significant economic challenges and a recent migrant surge.

    The Context

    • Youth Discontent: High youth unemployment, around 25%, has fueled skepticism towards political parties, particularly among the 16 million registered voters.
    • Migrant Surge: A July 2026 influx of tens of thousands of young Moroccans into Ceuta strained relations with Spain and highlighted economic pressures.
    • Low Turnout: Anticipated voter disillusionment led to a turnout of only 11.3% by noon on election day, raising questions about the legitimacy of the results.

    The Number

    Nearly 16 million

    registered voters were eligible to elect 395 members of the House of Representatives, underscoring the importance of youth engagement in shaping Morocco's future.

    Takeaway

    Expect coalition negotiations as no party is likely to secure an absolute majority, which may lead to continued royal oversight of key policies.

    3 Articles
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    The National

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