Morocco’s election turnout at 50.35%, higher than in 2016

Turnout in Morocco’s parliamentary, municipal and regional elections improved to 50.35%, slightly higher than in 2016, with the southern provinces registering higher voter participation rate.

As polls closed at 19:00, half Moroccans eligible to vote casted ballot. The turnout rate was higher in Morocco’s Sahara with 66.9% in Laayoune-Sakia-El Hamra, 63.7% in Guelmim-Oued Noun, and 58.3 in Dakhla-Oued-Eddahab.

Results are expected early on Thursday while uncertainty shrouds these elections that are expected to be dominated by liberal RNI and PAM and conservative Istiqlal.

The PJD Islamists who have led the two consecutive governments since the adoption of a new constitution in 2011 are expected to lose.

Observers cite the PJD’s failure in recent professional chambers elections and the demise of their labor union as an indicator of an electoral defeat.

The PJD-led government had to be reshuffled multiple times during the tenure of Saad Dine El Otmani due to inefficiency.