Morocco 2026 Elections: Benkirane Launches PJD Campaign in Rabat
Morocco's PJD launched its election campaign at a national rally at the Mohammed V Theatre in Rabat, where Benkirane criticized the Akhannouch government ahead of the September 23, 2026 vote.
Morocco's Justice and Development Party (PJD) officially launched its campaign for the legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026, at a national rally held Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat. Party Secretary-General Abdelilah Benkirane chaired the event, which saw the party unveil its candidates for 104 constituencies across the country.
Benkirane Denounces "Plundering of Public Funds"
In his speech, Benkirane sharply criticized the five-year term of Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch and the other parties in the ruling coalition, accusing some officials of "plundering state funds" instead of addressing citizens' problems. He noted that his party, reduced to just 13 seats in the 2021 elections, is entering this race in a stronger position. He also reaffirmed the party's rejection of vote-buying, saying a vote "is not bought for 200 dirhams when a kilo of veal costs the same amount."
El Azami Criticizes the "Forsa" Program
Driss El Azami El Idrissi, the party's first deputy secretary-general, warned against the "sugar-coated promises" of the governing parties, singling out the "Forsa" youth employment program, which he described as having turned bitter for its young beneficiaries. He accused the government of failing to deliver on its promise to create one million jobs.
104 Constituencies and the Rabat-Océan "Battle"
The PJD is fielding candidates in 92 local constituencies and 12 regional constituencies reserved for women, out of 104 constituencies nationwide. Party candidates must sign a 12-point "elected official's charter" committing them to a monthly contribution of 7,500 dirhams to the party's treasury. The Rabat-Océan constituency, with 4 seats at stake, is among the most contested, fielding actress Fatima Ouchaye, journalist Samir Chaouki, and former Communication Minister Mustapha El Khalfi. The campaign comes amid a tightly fought race: authorities had already registered 7,288 candidates and 1,850 lists nationwide for the House of Representatives elections.