Morocco's Elections Follow Youth Protests and Migration Crisis

WHO:

ABC News - Nearly 16 million registered voters in Morocco are participating in the election.

ABC News - The election features 7,288 candidates from 27 political parties.

ABC News - The far-left party, The Democratic Path, and the Islamist association Al-Adl Wal Ihsane are involved in the election discourse.

WHAT:

ABC News - Moroccan voters are choosing a new parliament for the 395-seat House of Representatives.

ABC News - Voting centers are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.

ABC News - Results of the election are expected the following day.

ABC News - The number of registered voters has declined by 9.7% since the 2021 election.

WHERE:

ABC News - The elections are taking place across Morocco, specifically in Casablanca and other regions.

WHEN:

ABC News - The election is taking place on a Wednesday.

WHY:

ABC News - The election is shaped by frustration among young people, high unemployment, and demands for better schools, hospitals, and housing.

ABC News - Some young Moroccans are considering leaving the country or abstaining from voting due to doubts about political participation improving their lives.

ABC News - The election follows deadly youth-led protests and a mass attempt by migrants to cross into Ceuta.

HOW:

ABC News - The Moroccan Constitution requires the king to appoint the head of government from the party that wins the most seats.

ABC News - Voters living abroad must travel to Morocco to vote or authorize a registered family member or acquaintance to vote on their behalf.

(UPDATED September 23, 2026 07:12 UTC)

Nearly 16 million registered voters in Morocco are participating in an election to choose a new parliament for the 395-seat House of Representatives, with voting centers open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. The election features 7,288 candidates from 27 political parties, including the far-left Democratic Path and the Islamist association Al-Adl Wal Ihsane, and results are expected the following day. This election comes amid frustrations among young Moroccans over high unemployment and demands for better public services, leading some to consider abstaining from voting or leaving the country altogether.