Morocco's PJD launches election campaign

In Morocco, the Justice and Development Party (PJD) has launched its campaign in Rabat for the upcoming legislative elections on September 23, when voters will elect 395 members to the House of Representatives. This is a crucial election for the PJD, a conservative Islamic-democratic party supporting the Moroccan monarchy.The PJD experienced a significant shift in its fortunes in the 2021 general elections. After leading coalition governments in 2011 and 2016, the party suffered a substantial defeat in 2021, securing only 13 seats, a drastic reduction from the 125 seats it previously held. This outcome positioned the party in eighth place, marking a major change in Morocco's political landscape.In 2021, the National Rally of Independents emerged as the largest party, forming a coalition government with the Authenticity and Modernity Party and the Istiqlal Party. Currently, 27 political parties are vying for the 395 parliamentary seats. Morocco operates within a semi-constitutional monarchy, holding regular multiparty elections, yet King Mohammed VI maintains significant influence over state affairs.Key issues dominating the electoral discourse include regional inequalities, persistent youth unemployment, and concerns over purchasing power, central to party platforms. The PJD's electoral program focuses on healthcare, employment opportunities, educational reform, and broader political reforms. The party also emphasizes strengthening efforts to combat corruption, proposing legislation addressing conflicts of interest and illicit enrichment. The campaign continues until midnight September 22, with citizens heading to the polls September 23.