World News

Moroccan parties court young voters facing high unemployment ahead of election

Youth voter turnout remains uncertain as candidates address economic strain and recent protests before the vote.

Updated Sep 22, 2026 · 22:33 UTC2 reports

The short version

Moroccan candidates are campaigning to engage disenchanted young voters ahead of parliamentary elections, even visiting rural funerals to appeal for support.[ABC News]
Youth unemployment stands at over 37%, and citizens aged 18 to 24 make up only 4% of registered voters despite representing 12% of the population.[BBC News · ABC News]
While some young citizens view voting as a tool to affect policies like wages and hiring, others remain skeptical of campaign promises amid structural economic hurdles.[BBC News · ABC News]

Official data placed youth unemployment among Moroccans aged 15 to 24 at 37% in 2025, while the IMF estimated it reached 37.3%.[BBC News · ABC News]
Citizens aged 18 to 24 make up approximately 12% of Morocco's population but represent only 4% of its 15.8 million registered voters.[ABC News]
Reaching the voting age of 18 does not automatically register Moroccan citizens to vote; they must complete registration actively.[ABC News]
Under the constitutional monarchy, King Mohammed VI appoints the head of government from the winning parliamentary party and retains broad authority over defense, foreign policy, and strategic affairs.[ABC News]
Around 60,000 individuals crossed during a recent enclave migration surge, in which at least 100 people died.[BBC News]

Whether campaign promises like creating one million jobs can overcome structural barriers to employment remains disputed by policy analysts.[BBC News]
The extent to which disillusioned young Moroccans will participate in the election remains uncertain due to low registration rates and political skepticism.[ABC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.