🔴 Morocco election 2026 live tracker: PPS opts to join new government, Ouzine says MP received no new offer from Mansouri

Hello and welcome to Hespress English’s live coverage as Morocco elects its government.

Here is what you need to know about Morocco’s post-election period. Keep watch on our companion tracker for detailed developments as they happen.

14:50 | PPS opts to join new government after talks with Mansouri

The Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) has decided to join the new government being formed by Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, saying its participation would allow it to contribute to political reform, social justice and economic development.

The party’s political bureau announced the decision on Monday, October 12, following a meeting at its headquarters in Rabat to finalize its position on the ongoing government formation talks.

16:00 | Popular Movement Party yet to decide on position in new government

After the Constitutional Union Party opted to remain outside the government and provide critical support to the new administration led by Fatima Zahra Mansouri, coordinator of the Authenticity and Modernity Party’s (PAM) collective leadership, Mohamed Ouzine, secretary-general of the Popular Movement Party, said his party had yet to determine its position.

Ouzine also said the party had received no further communication from Mansouri, who has been tasked with forming the new government.

The Democratic and Social Movement Party is also expected to remain outside the government. It is set to form a joint parliamentary group with the Constitutional Union in the House of Representatives during the new legislative term, following a similar arrangement in the previous term. This would place both parties outside the governing coalition.

Speaking to Hespress, Ouzine said he had not been contacted again since his last meeting with Mansouri, adding that he had received no clear offer to join the government during that meeting.

The Popular Movement, known as the “PPS” in its Arabic nickname, had neither requested a ministerial portfolio nor sought an institutional position, Ouzine said, explaining that the second round of consultations had lacked a clear framework from the team tasked with forming the government.

14:00 | PPS holds ‘decisive’ meeting before government formation

The Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) is awaiting arrangements for a meeting scheduled for next week as part of consultations to form Morocco’s new government, party sources told Hespress AR.

The sources said the party was still discussing an offer it had received from Head of Government-designate Fatima Zahra Mansouri to join the new governing coalition, pending further progress in the latest round of negotiations.

One source said Mansouri had previously indicated that the new government should be announced before the deadline for submitting the draft Finance Law for the coming fiscal year.

“The new government is supposed to present it, as it requires a special procedure that must be scheduled at a Cabinet meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI,” another senior party source said.

In light of the legal deadline, consultations are expected to be concluded in the coming days, one source said, adding that Mansouri would announce her coalition once its composition had been finalized.

15:00 | Ouahbi says alliance with Kotla parties remains undecided

Abdellatif Ouahbi, a member of the PAM committee tasked with leading government formation talks, told Hespress AR that negotiations are still open to all parties and that none has been ruled out.

Ouahbi said that head of government-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is leading the talks but has yet to announce which parties will join the next government.

He emphasized that the talks would enter a decision phase next week, with the initial makeup of the government coalition expected to take shape early in the week.

The parties would then move on to selecting candidates for ministerial posts.

Ouahbi said talks with the Democratic Kotla parties, including the Istiqlal party, the USFP, and the PPS, are still ongoing.

He stressed that PAM is negotiating with each party separately, based on its election results, rather than treating the Kotla as a single political bloc.

Although El Mansouri didn’t invite RNI leader Mohamed Chouki to the second round of talks, Ouahbi stressed that no party had been excluded, including the RNI, and that El Mansouri would have the final say on the coalition’s makeup.

14:45 | UC and MDS yet to decide on their political positioning

The Constitutional Union (UC) and the Social Democratic Movement (MDS) have yet to decide their political positioning in the next parliamentary term following a second round of talks with head of government-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri this week, a source from the two-party alliance told Hespress AR.

“We haven’t decided yet. Talks are still ongoing,” a senior source from the alliance said when asked whether the two parties had agreed to offer critical support to the PAM-led government.

El Mansouri is expected to hold another round of talks with party leaders.

16:00 | PAM has a house speaker

The Authenticity and Modernity Party considers the presidency of the House of Representatives “almost settled” in its favor as coalition talks continue over the formation of the country’s next government, a senior party source said.

The source told Hespress that internal discussions are taking into account political precedents in which the party leading the government also held the speakership of the lower house.

The source cited the period of alternation in government, when the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) led the government and held the House speakership through the late Abderrahmane Youssoufi and Abderrahim Radi. It also pointed to the period following the 2021 elections, when the National Rally of Independents (RNI) led the government while RNI member Rachid Talbi Alami headed the House of Representatives.

The source said the ongoing consultations would determine the internal distribution of major institutional posts, including the House speakership, which is sometimes described as the third-highest state office after the King and the Head of Government.

16:30 | RNI says it will not pressure El Mansouri over government participation

Morocco’s National Rally of Independents is taking a wait-and-see approach to negotiations over the formation of the next government, with the party saying it will not pressure the leading party to secure a place in the coalition, a senior RNI source told Hespress.

The source said voices within the party have emerged in favor of moving into opposition following the Sept. 23 election.

Supporters of the opposition option see it as a possible political course for the party in light of the election results and the new balance of power in Parliament and the broader political landscape, the source said.

The internal debate, however, has not altered the party’s official position. In its latest statement, the National Council expressed RNI’s readiness to participate in the next government and authorized party leader Mohamed Chouki to manage the process in accordance with the national interest.

RNI “will not be in a position to impose conditions or exert pressure for ministerial posts,” the source said. The party will instead respond to the outcome of the consultations and decisions by its own institutions, whether that means joining the governing majority or moving into opposition.

13:30 | Morocco’s USFP leans toward joining next government, party source says

Morocco’s Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) is leaning toward joining the next government, although the party has yet to make a final decision, a senior source within its Political Bureau told Hespress.

The Political Bureau reached a broad position on possible government participation during a meeting Tuesday evening, but the issue remains under discussion amid differing views over the benefits and political costs of joining the coalition, the source said.

The meeting reviewed the outcome of consultations between USFP First Secretary Driss Lachgar and Fatima Zahra El Mansouri, the designated head of government tasked with forming the new cabinet.

The Political Bureau decided to convene the party’s National Council at the end of the week, with government participation expected to be a central issue on the agenda.

The source said the Political Bureau has not formally adopted a final position, despite a clear overall inclination toward joining the government. The National Council will discuss the issue and take the final decision.

The source added that the debate within the National Council is expected to be extensive, given the political and organizational commitments that would come with government participation.

15:30 | PPS leaders back joining PAM-led government ‘under conditions’

Several PPS leaders backed joining the next government under certain conditions during an extraordinary meeting of the party’s Central Committee on Tuesday.

Some PPS leaders see joining the government as a chance to implement the party’s program and serve citizens from within institutions, while others prefer to stay in opposition as a continuation of the party’s position in recent years.

They also stressed that the final decision will depend on several conditions, mainly the government’s program and makeup, as well as PPS’s position within the next coalition.

11:50 | Benabdallah says talks with El Mansouri show ‘deep alignment’

PPS Secretary-General Nabil Benabdallah said on Tuesday that his talks with Head of Government-Designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri on forming the next government showed “strong responsiveness and deep alignment” on several issues important to the party.

He said that PPS raised several key issues during its first meeting with El Mansouri and in later talks, including strengthening democracy, freedoms and rights, a political opening, activating constitutional institutions, advancing equality, and fighting corruption, among others.

Benabdellah said the party saw “positive engagement” with several of its priorities during the first meeting and later talks, which were marked by trust and a strong will “to build a new, shared reform agenda.”

11:30 | Archane and Joudar meet El Mansouri for second round of talks

Constitutional Union Secretary-General Mohamed Joudar and Democratic and Social Movement Secretary-General Abdessamad Archane arrived at PAM headquarters to meet Head of Government-Designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri for the second round of consultations on forming the next government.

The meeting follows the two parties’ decision to form a joint parliamentary group, as PAM reportedly considers a majority including Istiqlal, USFP, and PPS, along with another party.

13:00 | El Mansouri begins second round of talks to form next government

Morocco’s Head of Government-designate Fatima Zahra El Mansouri began a second round of consultations with political parties Monday as she works to form the country’s next governing coalition.

Party officials confirmed that Party of Progress and Socialism Secretary-General Nabil Benabdallah met with El Mansouri Monday as part of the new round of individual consultations.

Further meetings with other party leaders are expected as parties determine their positions on joining the next government.

The possibility of a coalition bringing together PAM and members of the former Koutla alliance, namely Istiqlal, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces and PPS, remains under discussion, according to a PAM leadership source. The source said the latest round of consultations had not yet produced a definitive outcome.

17:20 | Popular Movement delegates Ouzzine to decide party’s next political position

Morocco’s Popular Movement, or MP, on Saturday authorized Secretary-General Mohamed Ouzzine to continue political consultations on forming the next government majority and decide the party’s position in the coming phase.

The decision followed discussions on the party’s performance in the legislative elections and the outcome of initial consultations with Head of Government-designate Fatima Zahra El Mansouri.

15:20 | Istiqlal source says Baraka cited ‘media reports’ on PAM-RNI dispute

An Istiqlal Party source said Baraka’s remarks about reported opposition within the PAM to RNI, joining the next government were based on reports published by media.

The source said Baraka had learned of the reports “like other Moroccans” and shared the information with Istiqlal’s National Council during its extraordinary session, amid discussions over government participation and possible alliances.

14:30 | Istiqlal approves joining new government 

Morocco’s Istiqlal Party’s National Council unanimously approved joining the next government and authorized party leader Nizar Baraka and its Executive Committee to resume coalition talks with the Authenticity and Modernity Party.

The decision was taken during an extraordinary session Saturday to review Istiqlal’s performance in the Sept. 23 legislative election and determine its position on joining the government led by PAM and Head of Government-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.

A senior member of Istiqlal’s Executive Committee had previously told Hespress AR that the party’s leadership favored returning to government, while the final decision rested with the National Council.

13:55 | PAM disunites El Mansouri to lead next Government negotiations

Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party unanimously authorized Head of Government-designate Fatima Zahra El Mansouri to lead further talks with political parties on forming the next government.

The mandate was approved Saturday by PAM’s National Council after what El Mansouri described as a “sharp” internal debate over possible alliances. The negotiating committee also includes Fouzi Lekjaa, Ahmed Akhchichine and Abdellatif Ouahbi.

12:40 | Istiqlal SG claims RNI will not be part of new government

Speaking before his party’s internal parliament, Baraka announced that he has received confirmation that PAM’s internal council decided to exclude the RNI from the upcoming government formation.

12:07 | PAM faces internal opposition to RNI alliance

Members of Morocco’s Authenticity and Modernity Party expressed differing views Saturday over whether the National Rally of Independents should join the next government led by Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.

During a closed session of PAM’s National Council in Skhirat, political bureau member Hicham El Mhaajri spoke against an alliance with RNI, saying the election results carried political messages that should be considered in forming the next coalition. His position drew applause from some members.

Former lawmaker Nadia Bouzendoufa also opposed renewing an alliance with RNI, while other participants called for the election results to be reflected in the next government’s composition.

Political bureau member Khatat Yanja, however, urged the party not to rule out any potential partner in advance. He called for greater flexibility for the committee leading government consultations, warning that pre-set restrictions could complicate negotiations.

The debate comes as RNI has signaled its readiness to join the next government, while leaving the final decision to its National Council.

12:06 | Istiqlal ready to contribute to next government

Morocco’s Istiqlal Party said Saturday that national interests would guide its decision on whether to join the next government, as its National Council met to discuss the party’s election results and political position.

Abdel Jabbar Rachidi, president of the party’s National Council, said Istiqlal would support what it considers to be in the country’s interest and is ready to contribute to Morocco’s political and democratic development.

He described the current political environment as complex, citing domestic challenges, high public expectations and international developments affecting Morocco.

Istiqlal’s National Council is expected to decide on the party’s participation in the next government. A senior member of its Executive Committee previously told Hespress that the party’s leadership favors returning to government, while the final decision rests with the council.

11:46 | RNI leader says election results mark ‘political setback’

Morocco’s National Rally of Independents acknowledged a decline in its performance in the Sept. 23 legislative election as the party weighs whether to join the next government.

RNI President Mohamed Chouki said Saturday that the result represented a “political setback” that the party should neither hide nor downplay. He said the party nevertheless remains a major political force with a strong national organization and presence across Morocco.

Chouki said RNI’s five years leading the government brought major challenges and reforms, some of which require more time to produce results. He said government participation should be viewed as an opportunity to contribute, rather than a political goal in itself.

The party’s political bureau and leadership have referred the question of RNI’s position in the next government to its National Council for a decision. Chouki said the party would prioritize national interests and institutional considerations in determining its position.

15:26 | USFP chooses Lachgar, Aajab to continue government talks

The USFP named First Secretary Driss Lachgar and National Council President Mustapha Aajab to continue government formation talks with the Head of Government-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri.

In a press release, the USFP emphasized that government is not an end in itself, whether the party is part of it or in opposition, but rather a national responsibility.

It emphasized that a government program can only succeed through a coalition whose members share common political and ideological beliefs.

14:17 | El Mansouri reacts to PJD opting out of talks

Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri reacted to the PJD’s decision not to attend the coalition talks, saying that all parties represented in Parliament received an invitation and that joining the talks remains each party’s choice.

El Mansouri emphasized that PAM wanted to meet all political parties immediately after winning the elections, stressing that “our common interest remains the nation.”

13:28 | Democratic and social movement ready to support new government

Democratic and Social Movement Party (MDS) Secretary-General Abdessamad Archane said his party is ready to support the new government but called for a program that addresses the previous government’s shortcomings, especially on social issues and purchasing power.

“We told the Head of Government we are ready to provide all the support needed to make this new and unique experience a success, especially as this is the first time in Morocco’s history that a woman has been appointed to this position. This is an important event in itself,” he emphasized.

Archane emphasized that his party wants the next five years to deliver on citizens’ expectations.

He noted further meetings will be held to discuss the shape of the next government as coalition talks continue.

12: 01| Constitutional Union puts jobs, purchasing power at center of coalition talks

The Constitutional Union called for youth employment, purchasing power, education and health care to feature prominently in the next government’s program, Secretary-General Mohamed Joudar said Thursday after meeting Head of Government-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri and leaders of the PAM. Joudar also stressed the need for greater social and territorial equality.

The party said talks on forming the next government would continue with PAM and other political forces. Joudar also welcomed El Mansouri’s appointment and congratulated PAM on its first-place finish.

11: 48| RNI signals readiness to join Morocco’s next government

RNI has expressed its readiness to participate in the next government under Head of Government-designate Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, saying it wants to help continue ongoing reforms and development projects.

In a statement issued after its political bureau met Tuesday, the party said participation in the next government would allow it to continue contributing from within government to completing ongoing reforms and addressing the challenges facing Morocco. The party’s national council is due to meet Saturday to deliberate and formally decide on its participation.

The statement acknowledged the party’s decline in the recent legislative elections but said the results nevertheless confirmed its position as a significant political force nationally, ending reports of internal opposition to joining forces with PAM.

20: 30| PPS’ Benabdellah says party’s position will depend on shape of next government

PPS Secretary-General Nabil Benabdellah said Wednesday that the party has not yet decided whether to join the next government or move into opposition, with its position also dependent sas on which other parties enter the coalition.

Speaking after talks with designated Head of Government Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri and PAM leaders, Benabdellah said the two sides identified several areas of common ground, including democracy, rights and freedoms, political de-escalation, reform of the Family Code and ethics in public life.

Benabdellah said PPS would continue internal discussions before taking a position, while waiting for PAM to complete its initial round of consultations with political parties. He said the party’s leadership is weighing different options for its role in the next political phase.

18: 50| PPS delegation meets PAM for government coalition talks

A delegation from the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) met Wednesday evening with the PAM committee led by the designated head of government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, for government coalition talks.

The delegation is led by PPS Secretary-General Nabil Benabdellah and includes political bureau members Fatima Ezzahra Barsat, Said Akdad, Rachid Hammouni, and Abdelrahim Bennasser.

18: 40| The Left Alliance calls coalition with PJD impossible

The Secretary General of the United Socialist Party (PSU) speaking for the Left Alliance said a potential parliamentary coalition with the PJD is inconceivable, joking that such combinations do not work in politics. 

Both parties have sided with opposition.

17: 55| Lachgar says USFP-PAM talks on government coalition will remain confidential

USFP First Secretary Driss Lachgar said their meeting with PAM will remain confidential until the newly appointed head of government finishes her talks with all political parties.

“Since meetings are confidential, these talks will remain so, with optimism, until El Mansouri finishes her talks with all parties,” he said.

Lachgar added that the talks were also an opportunity for members of the two parties to recall several political memories and events.

He noted that the meeting was also an opportunity to congratulate El Mansouri on the trust placed in her by King Mohammed VI.

Lachgar said that the USFP has always considered women’s issues a central concern and sees El Mansouri’s appointment as a real step forward for modernity and equality between men and women.

17: 35| RNI considers giving Chouki green light to continue government talks

A senior RNI official told Hespress AR that the party’s meeting with PAM this morning was held in a “positive atmosphere.”

The RNI political bureau is expected to meet at 6:30 p.m. to decide when the party’s National Council will meet and consider a recommendation allowing party president Mohamed Chouki to continue the government formation talks.

The official said the party wants to put the country’s interests first and give Chouki enough room to continue the talks before deciding whether RNI will join the government or move into opposition.

Another RNI political bureau member told Hespress the recommendation submitted to the National Council has not yet been decided, adding that the political bureau will meet with Morocco’s interests in mind and take into account the role RNI members have played in previous governments.

RNI will join the coalition if it believes this is in the country’s interests but will be ready to lead the parliamentary opposition if it decides otherwise, the source added.

17: 07| USFP’s Lachgar arrives at PAM headquarters for coalition talks

A delegation from the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP) has just arrived at PAM headquarters for government coalition talks.

The delegation is led by USFP’s First Secretary Driss Lachgar and National Council President Mustapha Aajab.

16: 54| Ouzzine says PAM, PM hope for ‘positive break’ with previous phase

Mohamed Ouzzine, secretary-general of Morocco’s Popular Movement Party, revealed that his party and PAM have agreed on the need for a “positive break” with the previous phase, adding that he hopes “both government and opposition parties will live up to expectations.”

He stressed that what matters most is the country, not whether a party is in government or opposition.

“We all aim to serve the country from wherever we are, whether in government or opposition,” he said, arguing that governments come and go while “the country remains the country.”

The secretary-general of the PM said that today’s meeting came following an invitation from the newly appointed head of government, adding that it was also an opportunity to congratulate El Mansouri on the trust placed in her by King Mohammed VI and wish her success.

He also said that the meeting covered issues of concern to citizens, including youth, with many young people outside the social system. 

He called for greater openness to young people and solutions for them and also raised integrated territorial development programs and geopolitical issues, including the autonomy plan and challenges facing Morocco.

16: 38| Senior RNI figures in Casablanca- Settat back joining PAM-led government

Senior RNI figures in the Casablanca-Settat region are pushing for the party to join the government being formed by the newly appointed head of government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, according to Hespress AR sources.

A meeting held at the home of Chafik Benkirane two days ago brought together MPs elected in the September 23 legislative elections, provincial coordinators, and regional coordinator Mohamed Boussaid. 

Most speakers backed joining the government rather than moving into opposition. 

Some MPs called for the party to sit in opposition over what happened with their coalition partner during the election campaign.

Others, including senior and younger party members, called for the campaign to be left behind and for the party to focus on what comes next. 

They stressed the importance of joining the government, saying Moroccan voters did not punish the RNI as some had claimed and instead placed it second.

Most of the interventions backed joining the government coalition, as this would help the party stay close to citizens ahead of the 2027 local elections.

15:35| Ouzzine arrives at PAM headquarters for coalition talks

Mohamed Ouzzine, secretary-general of Morocco’s Popular Movement Party, arrives at the PAM headquarters for coalition talks.

The secretary-general is accompanied by Hicham Rahil, a member of the party’s political bureau, and Mohand Laenser, president of the Popular Movement.

14:05| Benkirane says meeting with El Mansouri won’t change PJD’s stance

Justice and Development Party (PJD) leader Abdelilah Benkirane told Hespress AR that the upcoming meeting with El Mansouri will not change the PJD’s decision to join the opposition.

He said the party’s National Council unanimously decided last Saturday not to join the next government and instead sit in the opposition.

“Period,” he said, noting that all PJD bodies had backed a strong institutional opposition. 

The party’s General Secretariat had earlier said the PJD’s “natural place” is in a responsible and strong national opposition. 

Benkirane ruled out any change in the party’s position after the meeting, especially after PJD came fourth in the elections with 54 seats, more than quadrupling its previous 13 seats.

13:44| Baraka says Istiqlal to discuss coalition this weekend

Istiqlal Secretary-General Nizar Baraka said the party’s National Council will meet this weekend to discuss whether to join the next government.

Speaking after talks with designated Head of Government Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Baraka emphasized that restoring trust in politics means delivering on the promises made in parties’ election programs.

He said the talks with PAM were an opportunity to congratulate the party on its election results, calling Mansouri’s appointment as Head of Government a historic moment, as she is the first woman to hold the position. 

Baraka added that the talks also focused on the current political situation, which he said was important given the many challenges that need to be addressed.

He also talked about the issue of trust in political life, emphasizing that it’s necessary to rebuild trust in politics.

Baraka said election programs included many commitments, adding that delivering on them is key to rebuilding trust, while focusing on social issues is essential to restoring young people’s trust, giving them hope, and opening new opportunities.

He added that Istiqlal will continue to support the political process regardless of its position.

The party believes Morocco needs broad mobilization to move beyond electoral competition and focus on building national strength to tackle its strategic, economic, and social challenges, including jobs, investment, citizens’ purchasing power, and expanding the middle class. 

Baraka also said Istiqlal would continue to defend Morocco’s territorial integrity and national symbols, calling this a position in line with Morocco’s national stance.

13:10| PPS to join government coalition talks

PPS Secretary-General Nabil Benabdellah has received a call from the newly appointed head of government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, to set up a meeting as part of the government formation talks, a senior PPS official told Hespress AR.

Benabdellah is expected to join the second or third round of talks, the source added.

The expected meeting comes as PPS secured 19 seats in the September 23 elections, placing it seventh among the parties in Parliament.

12:22| PAM begins coalition talks with Istiqlal

PAM has received the Istiqlal delegation at its headquarters in Rabat for talks on forming the next government.

Istiqlal’s delegation includes Secretary-General Nizar Baraka, National Council President Abdeljabbar Rachidi, and Executive Committee members Abdessamad Kayouh and Mohamed Ould Errachid.

12:05| Chouki says talks with El Mansouri were “clear and frank”

RNI President Mohamed Chouki said talks with the newly appointed Head of Government Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri were “clear and frank,” adding that his party will put the national interest first in its future role.

Speaking at a press conference after the talks, Chouki congratulated El Mansouri on her appointment by King Mohammed VI, calling Morocco’s first appointment of a woman as head of government a “historic moment in the country’s political history.”

“We had responsible discussions with the designated Head of Government, with clarity and frankness,” Chouki said.

The RNI president said the meeting was also an opportunity to discuss El Mansouri’s vision for the future, adding that “RNI is a responsible party that will contribute in the future while putting the national interest first at all times, as it has always done.”

11:24| RNI delegation arrives for government coalition talks

PAM has begun consultations with political parties to form the next government, receiving an RNI delegation at its headquarters in Rabat. 

RNI President Mohamed Chouki led the delegation, accompanied by Rachid Talbi Alami and Mohamed Boussaid, a member of the RNI political bureau.

PAM’s consultation team includes the newly appointed head of government, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, PAM Political Bureau members Abdellatif Ouahbi, Fouzi Lekjaa, and PAM Academy President Ahmed Akhchichine. 

PAM is expected to meet an Istiqlal delegation led by Nizar Baraka next. 

A meeting with the Popular Movement is scheduled for 3 p.m., while talks with the Justice and Development Party have yet to be scheduled.

11:05 | Coalition talks begin at PAM headquarters

Abdellatif Ouahbi has arrived at PAM headquarters in Rabat to take part in the government coalition talks.

He received RNI’s Mohamed Chouki, Rachid Talbi Alami, and Mohamed Boussaid.

23:00 |  PAM reiterates ‘royal confidence’ put in El Mansouri, assures party cooperation across all spectrums 

PAM called El Mansouri’s nomination “a significant milestone for Moroccan women and the country’s democratic process,”

PAM said it was extending a “hand of dialogue” to all political forces, with the aim of forming a strong and cohesive government while also encouraging cooperation across the political spectrum, whether in government or opposition. The party expressed confidence in El Mansouri’s ability to lead the next phase and meet the expectations of the king and Moroccan citizens.

22:00 |  Head of Government of Government-elect prepares for consultations on Wednesday

El Mansouri will meet with representatives of the National Rally of Independents, or RNI, and the Istiqlal Party in Rabat as she begins negotiations with potential coalition partners.

The first meeting is scheduled for 11 a.m. with an RNI delegation led by party president Mohamed Chouki, followed by a noon meeting with an Istiqlal delegation headed by Secretary-General Nizar Baraka. Each meeting will be followed by a news conference, according to the parties.

16:00 | King appoints PAM’s El Mansouri as Head of Government 

The Chief Executive elect is now tasked with forming a government, as numbers sway towards a 2021 sequel. Hespress sources within the RNI say the party is ready to join a PAM-led coalition, despite internal opposition to the idea. The Istiqlal Party, third seat holder in this election, said it is open to coalition negotiations under PAM.

Parties such as the PJD and the left alliance have declared their intention to side into the opposition.

12:00| Turnout climbs to 11.34% at noon, Interior Ministry says

• • • The Interior Ministry has issued its second communiqué of the day, saying voting is continuing under normal conditions nationwide, based on information received from prefectures, provinces and prefectural districts across the country.
    • National turnout stood at 11.34% as of noon.  up from the 4.23% recorded at 10 a.m., meaning roughly 7.1 percentage points were added in the two hours in between. Still early to draw conclusions, but this gives the first real sense of pace.

11:16 | Voting under way: Interior Ministry confirms normal start as first turnout figure lands, early scenes emerge, and one flashpoint is defused

• • • Interior Ministry communiqué: Voting opened as scheduled at 8 a.m. across all polling stations nationwide “under normal conditions,” with candidate-list representatives present for both local and regional constituencies. First national turnout figure: 4.23% as of 10 a.m,  too early to read as a trend, but worth tracking against later readings and against 2021’s pace at the same hour.

• • • First party figures voting: PAM coordinator Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri voted in Marrakech, calling for strong turnout, a message likely to be echoed by other party figures through the day, given how central turnout has become to this vote’s credibility after 2021’s roughly 50% showing. Leaders due to vote in Rabat before midday: Istiqlal’s Nizar Baraka (10:30), PPS leader Nabil Benabdallah (11:00), RNI president Mohamed Chaouki (11:30), PJD leader Abdelilah Benkirane (noon), a tight two-hour window that functions, in part, as a coordinated turnout appeal.

• • • Scenes from around the country: Images coming in from Marrakech, Tangier, Errachidia, Casablanca, Oujda and elsewhere. African Union observers were visible inside polling stations in Rabat, underlining the international scrutiny on this vote, while reporters are covering voting from Laayoune and other regional centres.

• • • El Jadida hit-and-run clarified: Prosecutors said preliminary findings show no link between a viral hit-and-run video and any electoral dispute, after social media posts had claimed a driver deliberately targeted a candidate. The speed of the clarification, before midday, with voting barely under way, suggests authorities are moving quickly to keep unverified claims from shaping the day’s narrative.

23:54 | Campaign silence begins as polls prepare to open

Morocco votes for a new parliament tomorrow. The campaign closed at midnight Tuesday; we’re now entering the mandatory silence period, and there’s no late polling to go on, so nobody really knows where this stands heading in.

Polls run 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with 15.8 million registered voters. Turnout will be the first real number to come out, before the actual count begins.

On substance, the final stretch of the campaign has mostly been about the outgoing government’s record, argued from different sides. The RNI is running on its numbers in health, education, employment and social protection. PAM has focused on purchasing power, and that argument has centered on one figure: 280 billion dirhams.

Budget Minister and PAM political bureau member Fouzi Lekjaa cited that figure as the amount mobilized over five years to support purchasing power, while himself raising doubts about how effective it’s actually been. The PJD, PPS and Alliance of the Left have since picked up the same number and turned it into a line of attack against the government. Istiqlal’s pitch has been more about structural change: wages, housing, and cutting the country’s dependence on imported energy, food and medicine.