Morocco promotes youth political participation in Southern Provinces

In Morocco's Southern Provinces, increasing youth political participation has become a key factor for elite renewal and local development. This movement aligns with the New Development Model and recent legislative and electoral reforms designed to institutionalize the role of young people in decision-making processes.

Boubker Hamdani, president of the Center for Strategic Reflection and Defense of Democracy in Laâyoune, noted that new electoral provisions facilitate access for individuals aged 35 and under to the House of Representatives, regardless of party affiliation. To support this, the state may cover up to 75% of election campaign expenses. This shift aims to move beyond merely encouraging voting toward enabling young people to run for office and hold leadership positions.

The initiative builds on high voter turnout recorded in the 2021 elections, which saw participation rates of 66.94% in the Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra region and 58.30% in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab.