Morocco Parties Woo Youth Ahead of Election

Moroccan political parties are courting young voters ahead of the September 23 parliamentary election with promises of jobs, affordable housing and improved living standards, after protests and a mass attempt to cross into Spain’s Ceuta enclave exposed deep frustration. Youth unemployment, exclusion from education and work, and distrust of political institutions remain widespread despite economic growth and major investment in manufacturing and infrastructure. The National Rally of Independents and the Authenticity and Modernity Party have pledged roughly one million jobs and highlighted about $20 billion in infrastructure spending connected to preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Analysts describe the Ceuta rush as a form of political rejection, while many young Moroccans believe elections change governing parties without producing meaningful improvements. Although people ages 18 to 24 make up about 12% of the population, they represent only about 3% of registered voters, underscoring the parties’ challenge in re-engaging a deeply disillusioned generation.