Rabat, Morocco – Environmental entrepreneur Hamza El Kharroubi, 28, is campaigning for a seat in parliament after previously protesting in the streets. While canvassing in Tetouan, El Kharroubi expressed cautious optimism that more young Moroccans will secure seats in parliament this year. He founded the Environment and Sustainability Party to channel growing youth engagement into formal politics. "The previous protests by Gen Z have sparked more youth engagement in political parties. We expect this year to have exceptional participation from youth, both in voting and campaigning," he stated in an interview with Al Jazeera English.
The protests occurred nearly a year before the parliamentary election scheduled for September 23, 2026. Nationwide demonstrations began on September 27, 2025, driven by dissatisfaction with public healthcare, education, jobs, and living conditions, which intensified following the deaths of eight women after Caesarean deliveries at a public hospital in the southern city, highlighting broader grievances over public services.
The leaderless movement, GenZ 212, mobilized largely through online platforms such as Discord, TikTok, and Instagram, advocating for improved public healthcare and education, increased job opportunities, and an end to corruption and perceived misallocation of public funds. At least three individuals died during the unrest in October 2025.
The protests underscored a challenge for the upcoming parliamentary election, as many young people who participated in the demonstrations remain disengaged from formal politics. Over 15.8 million individuals are registered to vote in the election, which will determine all 395 seats in Morocco’s House of Representatives. However, only about four percent of registered voters are aged between 18 and 24, according to figures based on electoral rolls finalized in July. In contrast, individuals aged 60 and above represent more than 29 percent of the electorate, while those aged 35 to 44 account for 21 percent. The turnout in the 2021 election was just over 50 percent.
Az-el Arab Hilmi, 32, affiliated with the Federation of the Democratic Left (FGD) in Tifelt, noted that the Gen Z protests indicate a shift in expectations among young people, who now seek tangible results in their daily lives, including quality education, dignified public healthcare, real job opportunities, and equitable distribution of resources. "Political parties cannot wait for election campaigns to respond to those concerns," he remarked.
Hilmi's political involvement began in 2016, inspired by a parliamentary campaign led by Omar Balafrej, a prominent figure in the FGD. He emphasized the importance of accountability and direct communication between politicians and citizens. In October, GenZ 212 held an open discussion with Balafrej on its Discord server, focusing on democracy, political responsibility, and the role of youth in political change.
Moubarak Toumi, 18, who joined the Socialist Union of Popular Forces’ regional secretariat in Casablanca-Settat three years ago, attributed the disconnect between young Moroccans and politics to inherited mindsets that prioritize stability over engagement. He called for renewed thinking and active participation to build a better future.
Toumi also pointed to persistent youth unemployment as a significant issue, with the official unemployment rate at 13 percent in 2025, rising to 37.2 percent among individuals aged 15 to 24, according to the High Commission for Planning. The election represents a test of what can be achieved through formal politics in Morocco, where the monarchy plays a central role in governance while elected officials handle public policy and legislation.
Hilmi advised young voters to differentiate between the promises made by political parties and their realistic capabilities. He emphasized that while no party can solve every problem immediately, they should commit to their promises and practice politics transparently. He believes a vote should initiate a relationship between citizens and their representatives, encouraging ongoing engagement, accountability, and dialogue. "The election is not a blank cheque," he concluded.