Gender Equality is a Top Priority as Morocco Prepares for General Election 2026

As Morocco prepares for its next electoral cycle, issue of gender equality emerge as a top priority on the parties’ agenda. While the election is not expected until September 2026, Morocco’s political parties are already facing pressure to secure electoral gains and women’s issues are being used as a potential advantage.

Public frustration has been rising as many citizens feel that there were many unfulfilled promises since the previous election in 2021, in which the National Rally of Independents (RNI) gained most seats. As a result, it is expected that the 2026 elections will trigger significant political shifts and reshape the process of forming the next government, according to Morocco’s Index Centre for Studies and Research.

Women’s issues are high on the parties’ agenda and are being leveraged for electoral advantage. The status of women in Moroccan politics was transformed in 2002 after the government adopted a national gender quota, reserving one-third of parliamentary seats for women.

Women’s organizations in Morocco have initiated several actions, pushing for parity based female representation in the 2026 elections.

Since 2011 Gender Concerns International has observed all elections in Morocco in cooperation with CNDH and will continue to offer its support and cooperation with women and human rights organizations in Morocco.