The leader of Morocco’s opposition Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS), Mohamed Nabil Benabdallah, has cast his ballot in the country’s parliamentary election.
Benabdallah voted at a polling station in Rabat on Wednesday as millions of Moroccans headed to the polls to elect members of the House of Representatives.
After voting, the opposition leader expressed hope that the election would produce results that reflect the expectations of Moroccan citizens.
“I am optimistic and wishing the best for this process,” Benabdallah said.
He added that he hoped the results would reflect citizens’ expectations across different areas.
Nearly 16 Million Registered Voters
The election involves nearly 16 million registered voters who are choosing all 395 members of Morocco’s House of Representatives.
Official figures show that 15,801,162 people are registered to vote in the election. A total of 7,288 candidacies were recorded across 1,850 candidate lists.
Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. and were scheduled to close at 7 p.m. local time, with preliminary results expected after voting ends.
Jobs and Cost of Living Dominate Debate
The election is taking place amid concerns over unemployment, wages, the cost of living and access to public services.
Young Moroccans have been particularly vocal about employment opportunities, education, healthcare and housing.
The election is also the first national vote since youth-led protests and a deadly attempt by migrants to cross Morocco’s northern border into the Spanish territory of Ceuta.
World Cup Preparations Add Pressure
The next government will oversee major investment projects as Morocco prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
The government will therefore face pressure to balance major infrastructure and development projects with everyday concerns such as employment, public services and living costs.
Some commentators have referred to the incoming administration as the “World Cup government” because of the scale of projects expected during its tenure.
Benabdallah Calls for Peaceful Process
After casting his vote, Benabdallah said he hoped the electoral process would continue smoothly through the counting of ballots and announcement of the results.
“I hope that the process will go on in the best way possible until the counting of the votes and the announcement of the results,” he said.
The election is Morocco’s 12th legislative election since independence and will determine the composition of the country’s 395-seat lower house.
Source Africanews
