馃嚥馃嚘MoroccoNorth Africa
Morocco faces challenge of re-engaging over 16 million non-voters for 2026 elections
via Le Matin7 min read
Ahead of the 2026 legislative elections, Morocco is confronting the significant challenge of low voter turnout, with over 16 million eligible citizens abstaining from the last elections. A report by the African Centre for Strategic Studies and Digitalization highlights that this "silent majority" comprises diverse groups, including disillusioned young graduates, residents in remote areas, and those who abstain by deliberate choice. The report, published in June by the Tanger-based center, argues that abstention is a symptom of a progressive weakening of mediation mechanisms between citizens and political parties, rather than a lack of interest in public affairs. In 2021, only 8.8 million out of 25.23 million eligible Moroccan voters participated, a figure masked by the official 50.35% turnout rate calculated only on registered voters. The report emphasizes that when non-voters outnumber the supporters of any party, the election reflects a minority, not a majority. Voter participation has been declining since the 1970s, reaching a low of 37% in 2007 before a rebound to 50.35% in 2021, which the report attributes more to party recomposition than renewed trust. The study identifies three weaknesses undermining the mediation function of parties: fragile internal democracy, vague political identities, and the influence of money and notable figures in candidate selection. Surveys indicate low public trust in political parties 18%, though support for pluralism remains high 68%. Abst
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
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