Women’s political representation in Morocco: progress and obstacles ahead of 2026 elections

The path to women’s political representation in Morocco has been marked by gradual reforms, persistent advocacy, and an ongoing struggle for genuine parity. As the country gears up for the 2026 parliamentary elections, the issue of women’s role in decision-making bodies is once again at the forefront of national discussions. While the legal framework has evolved significantly, ground realities and partisan practices continue to raise questions about the true implementation of constitutional principles.

Historical milestones: from exclusion to affirmative action

Following independence, women’s presence in Morocco’s Parliament remained minimal for decades. It wasn’t until 1993 that the first two women secured seats in the Chamber of Representatives. Recognizing the slow pace of this natural progression, Morocco took decisive steps in the early 2000s by introducing affirmative action mechanisms.

• 2002: The establishment of a national list reserved 30 seats for women in the Chamber of Representatives, marking a turning point toward equitable representation.
• 2011: The new Constitution enshrined gender equality in Article 19 and tasked the state with promoting parity. The number of reserved seats for women increased to 60.
• 2021: Regional lists replaced the national list system, expanding territorial representation for women and raising their representation to 90 seats in the Chamber of Representatives.

These milestones have enabled Moroccan women to build valuable expertise in politics, labor unions, civil society, and human rights. Yet despite these legislative achievements, glass ceilings persist at both local and leadership levels.

2026 elections: civil society’s urgent call for change

In this transitional context, women’s rights coalitions issued a stark warning based on early candidate selection data for the September 2026 elections. Women remain sidelined as list leaders, with male dominance evident in these critical positions.

This disparity is particularly troubling given that list leaders statistically have the highest chances of securing parliamentary seats. Relegating women to secondary roles raises a fundamental question: how committed are political parties to the principles of equality and parity?

The threat of familial favoritism to democratic integrity

Beyond low female candidacy numbers, another concerning trend threatens these elections across all parties. Some partisan elites are exploiting representation mechanisms by placing their wives or daughters at the top of reserved lists.

This practice of familial favoritism blatantly circumvents the spirit of legal measures. By transforming affirmative action into dynastic privileges, it undermines the reforms’ substance. Grassroots activists—who have fought for decades within political and civil structures—are denied legitimate representation. This electoral nepotism erodes public trust in institutions and discredits women’s political participation, reducing it to familial co-optation rather than meritocracy.

Toward a national debate for sustainable parity

In response to these challenges, activists urge an immediate and inclusive national dialogue involving political actors, constitutional bodies, feminist organizations, and media outlets. The discussion must address the cultural and structural barriers still limiting women’s leadership in politics.

The proposed solutions include:

• Unwavering partisan commitment: Political parties must uphold the spirit of electoral laws by ensuring women lead at least one-third of all lists as part of genuine parity efforts.
• Transparent and ethical selection criteria: Candidate selection must prioritize competence, merit, and long-standing activism, eliminating familial privilege or nepotism to ensure equal opportunities.
• Rigorous oversight by authorities: Electoral monitoring bodies must enforce the law’s original objectives, ensuring reserved seats benefit all women rather than narrow familial circles.

Reflections on the future of Moroccan democracy

Moroccan women cannot be reduced to mere voters or mobilization tools on election day. They are full citizens and indispensable partners in shaping public policies and the nation’s future. The maturity of Moroccan democracy will be measured by its ability to transform women’s political participation from an exception or familial arrangement into a natural, fair, and sustainable democratic practice.