Morocco's PJD: Lessons Learned Ahead of the 2026 Election
Published · Updated
Cited: The Hill, Al Jazeera, The Economist
TL;DR
Morocco's PJD is rebuilding after a 2021 electoral collapse, with leader Abdelilah Benkirane aiming to regain trust through a new programme and youth engagement ahead of the 2026 election.
Why now
The 2026 election is approaching, and the PJD is actively campaigning and redefining its strategy after a historic defeat, making this a critical moment for Moroccan politics.
Agree / conflict
Moroccans are split: some see the PJD as a credible alternative; others doubt it can overcome past failures and constitutional limits.
Takeaway
The PJD's success hinges on translating leadership appeal into institutional rebuilding and convincing voters it has learned from its mistakes.
Morocco's Justice and Development Party (PJD) is attempting a political comeback after losing 112 of its 125 parliamentary seats in the 2021 election. Former head of government Abdelilah Benkirane has returned to lead the party, leveraging his personal brand and a detailed 467-measure programme focused on transparency, public services, and anti-corruption. The party is also working to re-engage young voters, who are crucial but skeptical about politics.
Key lessons from the 2021 defeat include the need for internal reorganization and a critical review of the PJD's years in government. However, the party faces structural constraints: the monarchy retains significant power over strategic decisions, as seen in the continued normalisation with Israel despite the PJD's opposition. The 2026 election will reveal whether the party can overcome these challenges and restore its position as a major political force.
FAQ
Why did the PJD lose so many seats in 2021?
The PJD fell from 125 seats to 13. The party cites internal organisational mistakes, electoral corruption, and disinformation, though independent analysis also points to voter dissatisfaction with its performance in government and a lack of tangible improvements.
What is Abdelilah Benkirane’s role in the comeback?
Benkirane, former head of government, returned as secretary-general. He is a well-known figure with a direct communication style, which the party hopes will attract voters. However, his personal brand must translate into party support.
What are the main policies in the PJD’s 2026 programme?
The programme includes 467 measures covering identity and family, political reform, public services, economy, and foreign policy. Key promises include transparency in public procurement, anti-corruption rules, improved housing and social protection, and food and water sovereignty.
How does the PJD view normalisation with Israel?
The PJD opposes normalisation and reaffirms support for the Palestinian cause. However, Morocco normalised ties in 2020 while the PJD was in government, highlighting the limits of its influence on foreign policy under the monarchy.
What challenges does the PJD face with young voters?
Young Moroccans are split on whether politics can deliver change. The PJD aims to build long-term trust through continuous engagement and training, rather than just election-time mobilisation.
Sources
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