Morocco’s women in politics: progress and hurdles ahead of 2026 elections

The political journey of women in Morocco has been marked by hard-won reforms, relentless activism, and an ongoing struggle for genuine parity. As the 2026 legislative elections approach, the debate over women’s representation in decision-making bodies has resurfaced with urgency. While the legal framework has seen significant improvements, ground realities and partisan practices continue to raise serious questions about the practical implementation of constitutional principles.

From exclusion to affirmative action: a historical overview

For decades after independence, women’s presence in Morocco’s Parliament remained minimal or nonexistent. It wasn’t until 1993 that the first two women entered the Chamber of Representatives. Recognizing the slow pace of this natural evolution, Morocco took a decisive turn in the early 2000s by introducing affirmative action mechanisms.

• 2002: The introduction of the national list system reserved 30 seats in the Chamber of Representatives for women, marking a historic step toward equitable representation.
• 2011: The constitutional reform enshrined gender equality in Article 19, mandating the state to promote parity. The number of reserved seats for women doubled to 60.
• 2021: The shift to regional lists replaced the national list system, expanding territorial representation for women and increasing their seats to 90 in the Chamber of Representatives.

These milestones have enabled Moroccan women to build expertise and demonstrate their capabilities in politics, labor unions, civil society, and human rights advocacy. Yet, despite legislative progress, a glass ceiling persists—both at the local level and in the leadership of electoral lists.

2026 elections: civil society’s stark warning

As the country prepares for the September 2026 legislative elections, two leading coalitions—the 190 Coalition Against Violence and the Coalition for Dignity and Women’s Rights—have issued a joint call. Their analysis of initial candidacy data reveals a troubling trend: women are overwhelmingly sidelined as lead candidates, while men dominate these critical positions.

This disparity is particularly concerning given that lead candidates statistically have the highest chances of securing seats in the legislature. When women are relegated to secondary roles, it forces a critical question: To what extent do political parties genuinely uphold the principles of equality and parity?

The democratic backslide: familial favoritism undermines quotas

A deeper issue threatens the integrity of these elections across all political parties. Some party elites are exploiting representation mechanisms by placing their own wives or daughters at the top of reserved lists. This practice not only circumvents the spirit of the law but also transforms affirmative action into a tool for dynastic privilege.

Such nepotism denies grassroots activists—the women who have spent years fighting for political and social justice—legitimate representation. It fosters public distrust in institutions and reduces women’s political participation to a matter of familial favor, rather than merit and competence.

Beyond elections: a call for national dialogue

To address these challenges, civil society groups are urging an immediate, constructive national debate involving political actors, constitutional institutions, feminist organizations, and the media. The goal is to identify and dismantle the cultural and structural barriers that continue to hinder women’s leadership in politics.

The coalitions propose concrete measures to reverse the trend:

• Firm partisan commitment: Political parties must honor the spirit of electoral laws by ensuring that women lead at least one-third of all lists, fostering genuine parity.
• Transparent and ethical selection criteria: Candidacy decisions should prioritize women’s competence, merit, and long-standing activism—excluding familial privilege or nepotism to ensure equal opportunities.
• Rigorous oversight by authorities: Electoral oversight bodies must enforce the law’s objectives strictly, ensuring that reserved seats benefit all citizens rather than a select few connected to power.

A reflection on democracy’s maturity

Moroccan women are far more than voters or mobilizers on election day. They are full citizens and essential partners in shaping public policies and the nation’s future. The true test of Morocco’s democratic maturity lies in its ability to transition women’s political participation from an exception or familial arrangement into a natural, fair, meritocratic, and sustainable democratic practice.