Morocco Begins Counting Votes for 395-Seat Parliament
Vote counting started in Morocco after polls closed. The Interior Ministry expects preliminary results early Thursday morning.
Key points
- Voter turnout reached 28.05% by 5 pm GMT, down from 50.18% in 2021.
- 3,206 observers, including 200 foreign monitors, oversaw the voting process.
- Preliminary results are expected in the early hours of Thursday.
Vote counting began across Morocco on Wednesday. Polls closed in parliamentary elections that determine the composition of the country's 395-seat House of Representatives.
According to an Anadolu Ajansı correspondent, polling stations opened at 8 am GMT and closed at 7 pm. The Interior Ministry stated that voting took place under normal conditions nationwide.
Turnout and observer presence
The Interior Ministry reported voter turnout reached 28.05% by 5 pm GMT. This figure reflects a significant drop from the 50.18% recorded in the 2021 election.
A total of 3,206 observers oversaw the vote. This group included 200 foreign monitors. The ministry confirmed that 15,801,162 people were registered to vote in this cycle.
Political landscape and coalition needs
Twenty-eight parties competed through 1,850 candidate lists. These lists comprised 7,288 candidates, including 2,658 women. A parliamentary majority requires at least 198 seats.
If no party secures an outright majority, coalition talks are likely. In 2021, the RNI won 102 seats. The current government is led by RNI leader Aziz Akhannouch in coalition.
Constitutional process and future challenges
Under Article 47 of the Constitution, the king appoints the head of government. This person comes from the party that finishes first in the election.
The next government faces political and economic challenges. It must also manage major projects linked to Morocco's preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
