Survey: 73% of Moroccans say democracy must guarantee dignity, not just elections

A growing majority of Moroccans believe democracy must go beyond the ballot box to include dignity, fairness, and economic stability, according to a new survey by the Arab Barometer.

The study, based on more than 15,000 face-to-face interviews conducted across eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa between 2023 and 2024, shows that 73% of Moroccans view democracy as the best form of government.

However, they increasingly define it by its ability to improve everyday life, rather than by procedural benchmarks like elections.

Support for democracy in Morocco rose by 19 percentage points compared to 2021, one of the most significant increases in the region.

The data suggests a deep shift in public expectations, with more Moroccans prioritizing justice, equality, and basic needs over formal political processes.

Roughly 49% of respondents said democracy in Morocco has improved since 2011, marking one of the highest levels of satisfaction among the countries surveyed.

The survey also found that more Moroccans now consider democracy the only acceptable form of governance, with that sentiment rising by 16 points.

Meanwhile, concerns about its potential harm to economic performance have eased, with 7% fewer Moroccans linking democracy to weak economies. Just 5% now describe it as an ineffective system.

Despite the growing enthusiasm, skepticism remains. About 41% said non-democratic systems could, in some situations, deliver more efficient results, especially when quick decision-making is needed.

When it comes to perceptions of global democracies, Moroccans expressed favorable views. The United States received a rating of 8.7 out of 10, followed closely by Germany at 8.6. Some 39% of Moroccans view the U.S. as a full democracy.

The findings reflect a wider regional trend. Strong support for democracy was also recorded in Kuwait (85%), Jordan (84%), and Tunisia (79%).

However, doubts about democracy’s ability to deliver economic gains persist, particularly in Iraq, Tunisia, and Palestine.

Across the region, the concept of democracy is being redefined. According to the Arab Barometer, citizens no longer see elections as its most crucial feature.

Instead, they are demanding systems that deliver tangible results, dignity, justice, and social protection.

The message is clear, researchers say: Policymakers can no longer afford to focus solely on institutional reforms. Citizens are demanding outcomes, not just promises.