Morocco’s PJD: what has the party learned from its dramatic fall

Morocco’s Justice and Development Party (PJD) is currently undergoing a rebuilding process under the leadership of Abdelilah Benkirane following a significant electoral defeat in 2021. The party, which held a dominant position in Moroccan politics for a decade following the 2011 constitutional reforms, saw its parliamentary representation drop from 125 seats to 13 in the 2021 elections.

The PJD’s 2026 platform outlines 467 measures across five key areas, including institutional reform, social protection, economic development, and foreign policy. The program emphasizes practical concerns such as public service improvements, anti-corruption measures, and economic sovereignty. Saad al-Sabahi, a representative from the party’s Casablanca-Settat regional secretariat, stated that the program was developed through extensive consultation and is intended to serve as a basis for a new agreement with voters.

Internal reorganization has been a primary focus for the party since its 2021 collapse. The PJD has conducted internal reviews of its previous governing record and organizational strategies. While the party has attributed its electoral losses to factors including alleged electoral corruption and disinformation, it has also acknowledged the need to address the disconnect that developed between its leadership and its support base, particularly among younger voters.

The party’s strategy for recovery remains closely tied to the return of Abdelilah Benkirane, who served as head of government from 2011 to 2017. Analysts have noted that Benkirane’s public profile and communication style serve as significant political capital for the party. However, the PJD faces ongoing questions regarding the limits of its influence within the existing constitutional framework, where the monarchy retains authority over strategic state policy.

A notable point of contention remains the party’s stance on Morocco’s diplomatic relations with Israel. Despite the PJD’s official opposition to the normalization of ties, the agreement was finalized in 2020 while the party was in government. Following the September 2026 announcement that Morocco and Israel would elevate their diplomatic missions to the embassy level, the PJD reaffirmed its opposition to the normalization process.

Members of the PJD Youth wing have emphasized that the party’s long-term success depends on fostering sustained engagement with younger generations. Imane Traifi and Yassine Elachiri, both associated with the party’s youth leadership, stated that the goal is to move beyond short-term electoral mobilization toward a process of active participation and training for young people in public affairs.

Article and image source: aljazeera.com