How Ceuta, football and Israel have shaped the campaign

Key Points:

• Morocco's parliamentary elections are influenced by issues such as youth unemployment, migration crises like the Ceuta crossing, and political dissatisfaction among young voters, many of whom view the political scene as disconnected from reality.
• The country operates as a constitutional monarchy where King Mohammed VI retains significant executive power, including appointing the prime minister from the winning party, limiting the full autonomy of elected officials.
• Youth-led protests in 2025 over unemployment and living costs have led to government crackdowns, but some young activists are now entering politics, seeking to represent their generation's demands within parliament.
• Football and nationalism play a significant role in political campaigns, exemplified by Fouzi Lekjaa's viral campaign leveraging Morocco's recent football successes, while established parties promise job creation, though experts remain skeptical about these pledges.
• The Islamist Justice and Development Party is campaigning on anti-Israel rhetoric, opposing Morocco's normalization of ties with Israel, a contentious issue that has sparked protests despite recent diplomatic agreements to open embassies.