The journey of women’s political participation in Morocco has been a gradual yet determined climb, marked by legal reforms, grassroots activism, and an ongoing quest for true parity. As the country gears up for the legislative elections scheduled in September 2026, the role of women in decision-making bodies has once again taken center stage in national discussions. While the legal framework has evolved significantly, ground realities and partisan practices continue to raise concerns about the true implementation of constitutional principles.

From exclusion to affirmative action: a historical overview

For decades following independence, women’s presence in Morocco’s Parliament remained minimal, often nonexistent. It wasn’t until 1993 that the first two women secured seats in the House of Representatives. Recognizing the sluggish pace of this natural progression, Morocco took a decisive turn in the early 2000s by introducing affirmative action mechanisms.

Key milestones in women’s political representation

• 2002: The introduction of the national list system, a political agreement reserving 30 seats for women in the House of Representatives, marked a turning point toward more equitable representation.
• 2011: A constitutional leap forward enshrined gender equality in Article 19 of the new Constitution, compelling the state to work toward parity. This expanded women’s reserved seats to 60.
• 2021: The shift to regional lists replaced the national list system, broadening territorial representation for women and increasing their seats to 90 in the House of Representatives.

These reforms have empowered Moroccan women to demonstrate their competence in politics, labor unions, civil society, and human rights. Yet, despite these legislative strides, a persistent glass ceiling lingers—both at the local level and in the leadership of electoral lists.

Legislative elections 2026: civil society’s urgent call

In this transitional context, the Coalition 190 against violence and the Coalition for Dignity and Women’s Rights issued a stark warning on June 9, 2026. Analyzing early candidate nomination data for the September elections, these organizations sounded the alarm: women are being sidelined as lead candidates, with men dominating these critical positions.

This disparity is particularly troubling because lead candidates statistically have the highest chances of securing legislative seats. By relegating women to secondary roles, the true commitment of political parties to equality and parity comes into question.

Democracy at risk: the misuse of gender quotas

The underrepresentation of women extends beyond numerical weakness. A more insidious trend threatens these elections across all parties: the blatant exploitation of representational mechanisms by partisan elites. Some leaders are strategically placing their wives or daughters at the forefront of electoral lists, capitalizing on reserved seats and quotas.

This practice of familial favoritism undermines the spirit of these progressive laws. By converting affirmative action into dynastic privileges, it strips the reform of its essence. 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 reduces women’s political participation to a matter of family co-optation rather than merit and competence.

A call for inclusive dialogue beyond elections

In response to these challenges, the coalitions urge the immediate launch of a responsible and balanced national debate. This conversation must involve political actors, constitutional bodies, feminist organizations, and the media to address the cultural and structural barriers still limiting women’s access to leadership roles.

The manifesto outlines concrete measures to reverse the trend:

• Firm partisan commitment: Political parties must honor the spirit of electoral laws by ensuring women lead at least one-third of all lists, fostering genuine parity.
• Transparent and ethical selection criteria: Candidate nominations must prioritize competence, merit, and long-standing activism, excluding familial privilege or nepotism to guarantee equal opportunities.
• Rigorous oversight by authorities: Electoral oversight institutions and public authorities must enforce the original intent of the law, ensuring representational support benefits all citizens—not just narrow family circles.

Reflections on the path forward

Moroccan women are more than mere voters or mobilization tools on election day. They are full-fledged citizens and indispensable partners in shaping public policy and the nation’s future. The maturity of Morocco’s democracy will be measured by its ability to transform women’s political participation—from an exception or familial workaround—into a natural, just, meritocratic, and sustainable democratic practice.