Morocco’s elections: what the new political map means for those living abroad

This update focuses on Morocco election results. Morocco’s latest parliamentary vote has reshaped the political balance but left many citizens, at home and abroad, watching from the sidelines.

Morocco election results: a rebalanced Parliament

Provisional results from the 23 September ballot put the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) in first place with 97 out of 395 seats in the House of Representatives.

Its outgoing coalition partners, the National Rally of Independents (RNI) and Istiqlal, won 66 and 65 seats respectively. Together, the three parties now hold 228 MPs, comfortably above the 198 required for an absolute majority.

Yet internal power dynamics have shifted. The PAM gains 10 seats compared with 2021, while the RNI loses 36 and Istiqlal 16. On paper, the outgoing coalition could continue, but under a different political balance of power.

Another key development is the comeback of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), which climbs to 54 seats. It regains a significant presence after its dramatic collapse in 2021, when it fell from 125 to 13 MPs.

Low turnout dominates international coverage

Across Madrid, Berlin and Doha, international coverage of the Morocco election results has largely focused on one figure: turnout.

Only about 38% of registered voters went to the polls, compared with just over 50% in 2021. That means around 6 million voters out of some 15.8 million registered. This weak participation often overshadows commentary on the PAM’s gains or the PJD’s return.

For Moroccans living abroad, this abstention also raises questions about the political bond with their country of origin. Many families are now split between several countries. Conversations on WhatsApp or during summer visits show real interest, but that rarely translates into votes.

Coalition talks ahead, continuity likely for public policies

The Morocco election results open a period of coalition negotiations. The PAM and RNI campaigned against each other despite five years in government together. After the vote, PAM leaders said they were ready to negotiate without “red lines”.

For Moroccans abroad, the immediate issue is not a radical change in procedures, but whether the next government can maintain or speed up key reforms that matter from overseas, such as:

• simplifying administrative processes at a distance;
• further digitalising consular services;
• maintaining a predictable framework for investing in Morocco;
• improving public services used during visits (healthcare, transport, schools).

The outgoing coalition still controls a solid majority in Parliament. In the short term, this points toward continuity in broad policy directions, even if political weight inside the majority is redistributed.

What this means for return plans and ties with Morocco

At this stage, the election outcome has not translated into concrete decisions on sensitive issues for the diaspora, such as tax rules for returnees or specific incentives for investment from abroad.

However, the low turnout is likely to fuel a wider debate on political participation, including how to better involve Moroccans living outside the country and recognise them as a full part of the national community.

While waiting for the new government to be formed, Moroccans abroad can:

• follow coalition negotiations and leadership discussions;
• keep informed through the official administration portal (mre.gov.ma);
• plan ahead for return or investment projects by monitoring announcements on taxation, property and public services.

The new political map does not yet rewrite the rules that shape daily life for Moroccans abroad, but it will frame the decisions that will affect their travel, investments and, for some, their long-term return home.

For practical guidance, you can also consult Canal212’s dedicated guide on key procedures for Moroccans living abroad.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.