Morocco Allocates MAD 450 Million in Public Funding for 2026 Parliamentary Elections
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: The Moroccan government has approved a total of MAD 450 million (approximately $45 million) in public funding for political parties and youth candidates participating in the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 2026, according to an official decision published in the latest issue of the Official Gazette.
The decision, signed by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, allocates MAD 400 million to political parties contesting the general election for the House of Representatives. The funding is aimed at supporting election campaign activities and promoting fair competition among participating parties.
An additional MAD 50 million has been designated to support electoral lists submitted by candidates aged 35 and under, provided they fulfill the legal requirements. The initiative is intended to encourage greater youth participation in Morocco’s political process and strengthen the representation of young people in elected institutions.
The funding framework is based on provisions contained in Morocco’s organic laws regulating political parties and the House of Representatives, as well as existing regulations governing the distribution of public financial assistance during election campaigns.
The decision also draws on a separate decree that outlines the conditions and procedures for granting state support to electoral lists presented by young candidates within the age limit established by law.
The allocation for the 2026 parliamentary elections represents a substantial increase compared to the 2021 elections, when the government provided MAD 160 million to finance political parties’ campaign activities.
With the introduction of the new youth-focused funding mechanism, total public support for the 2026 elections has increased by MAD 290 million compared to the previous parliamentary polls, marking a rise of more than 181 percent.
Moroccan authorities said public financing of election campaigns is designed to help political parties meet campaign-related expenses, ensure equitable electoral competition, and reinforce democratic participation. Recent reforms have also focused on expanding opportunities for young people to engage in political life and contribute more actively to the country’s legislative institutions.
