King Mohammed VI has instructed the Interior Ministry to begin preparations and political consultations for Morocco’s next legislative elections, expected in 2026, calling for the legal framework to be finalized before the end of this year.
In his Throne Day speech marking the 26th anniversary of his accession to the throne, the King stressed the need to ensure that the rules governing elections to the House of Representatives are “adopted and known” well in advance.
The directives have triggered political speculation over possible amendments to Morocco’s electoral system, including the controversial electoral quotient introduced in 2021, which critics say consolidated the dominance of the ruling coalition.
Political science professor Abdelhafid El Younsi told Hespress AR that past changes had “tightened state control over electoral outcomes,” shaping government and local councils while limiting the emergence of more competent political elites. He expects that “the state’s concern with controlling electoral outputs will remain strong” to preserve institutional balance.
Analyst Abdellah Abou Aouad predicted that consultations could produce a “political surprise,” potentially rebalancing the system and preventing “weak or unqualified” candidates from entering Parliament.
Opposition parties are expected to push for reforms to counter what they describe as the political dominance of the three-party governing alliance and to restore public trust ahead of the vote.
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