Morocco's recent parliamentary election recorded the lowest overall turnout in two decades, at 38%. Among those under 35, participation was notably low, with only 19% registering to vote. This meant less than one in four Moroccans of voting age cast a ballot.
The election results saw a centre-right coalition, led by the Authenticity and Modernity party, retain power. The low youth engagement follows mass protests a year ago, organised by a Gen Z movement, which focused on demands for investment in public services like health and education.
A significant portion of Morocco's population, one-third, is aged between 15 and 30, and more than one-third of this group is unemployed. This lack of opportunity is cited as a factor incentivising young men to take risks to reach the European Union.
Demonstrators a year ago also expressed anger over government funds being allocated to preparations for the 2030 Fifa World Cup, which Morocco will co-host with Spain and Portugal. The International Monetary Fund has estimated that expenditure on the tournament could reach almost 12% of Morocco’s 2024 GDP.