Morocco’s PJD Seeks to Rebuild Trust After 2021 Electoral Collapse

The Justice and Development Party in Morocco is undertaking a significant reconstruction effort following its dramatic electoral defeat in September 2021. Once the dominant political force following the 2011 constitutional reforms, the party with an Islamic reference lost 112 of its 125 seats in the House of Representatives. This collapse marked the end of a decade-long period where the PJD was the primary beneficiary of post-2011 political changes, shifting power to the National Rally of Independents and raising fundamental questions about the party's future relevance in the kingdom’s political landscape.

Under the renewed leadership of Abdelilah Benkirane, the party is moving to reorganize its internal structures and redefine its platform for the upcoming political cycle. According to Al Jazeera English, this period of rebuilding is characterized by a critical self-examination of the party’s time in government and a strategic pivot toward more concrete policy proposals. The central challenge now is not merely regaining seats, but restoring public confidence in an organization that has struggled to translate its historical influence into sustained popular support in recent years.

Benkirane’s Role in Party Revival

The return of Benkirane to the forefront of party leadership has sparked debate over the extent to which his personal brand drives the current revival. Recent analyses suggest that his long public career, media presence, and direct communication style have created a political profile that functions as significant electoral capital. His visibility provides a recognizable face for the party, potentially helping to bridge the gap between the organization and voters who may have grown disillusioned with its previous performance in power.

However, political analysts note that personal appeal alone does not guarantee a structural comeback. The party’s task is to channel the attention generated by its leader into broader support for the PJD as an institution. There is a risk that the revival remains centered on Benkirane’s individual charisma rather than reflecting a genuine renewal of the party’s grassroots support or its ability to govern effectively. The success of this strategy will depend on whether the party can detach its identity from a single figure and rebuild a more resilient internal network.

A Shift Toward Practical Policy

The PJD’s new political programme represents a deliberate move toward addressing tangible economic and social concerns. The document outlines 467 specific measures across five key areas, including public services, social protection, and economic sovereignty. By foregrounding issues such as housing, healthcare, employment, and food security, the party aims to demonstrate a commitment to practical governance rather than abstract ideological principles. This approach is designed to appeal to voters who are increasingly focused on the cost of living and the quality of public infrastructure.

Saad al-Sabahi, a member of the party’s regional secretariat in Casablanca-Settat, explained that these commitments were developed through extensive consultation meetings and studies. He emphasized that the programme covers a wide range of sectors affecting daily life, from political participation to fighting corruption. According to al-Sabahi, these proposals form the basis of a new social contract between the party and the electorate, promising integrity and competence in their implementation if the party is given another chance to govern.

Internal Reorganization and Future Challenges

The party acknowledges that its 2021 defeat was the result of internal failures and a disconnect with voters. In response, the PJD has undertaken a series of extraordinary and regular congresses to reorganize its internal affairs. This process has involved renewing its structures and improving its communication strategies to ensure that its message resonates with a broader segment of the population. The leadership believes that overcoming this crisis requires a fundamental shift in how the party operates and interacts with the public.

As the political landscape in Morocco continues to evolve, the PJD faces the difficult task of proving that its reforms are more than just rhetorical. The upcoming elections will serve as a crucial test of whether the party has successfully learned from its past mistakes. Observers will be watching closely to see if the combination of Benkirane’s leadership and the new policy platform is sufficient to regain trust. The outcome of this rebuilding process will have significant implications for the balance of power in Morocco’s parliamentary system.