Morocco's PJD Faces Reckoning After Dramatic Fall
· wellness
The PJD’s Reckoning in Morocco: A Test of Leadership and Authenticity
The fall of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) from its once-prominent position as Morocco’s main political force is a stark reminder that even the most entrenched parties can lose their way. The party’s dramatic defeat in 2021, where it lost a staggering 112 seats, marked a turning point for the PJD and its leader, Abdelilah Benkirane.
The PJD rose to power after Morocco’s 2011 protests, promising reform and greater accountability. However, as it consolidated its position in government, the party began to distance itself from its core values and supporters. The 2026 programme promises sweeping reforms and a return to the PJD’s roots, but can Benkirane’s personal appeal and the party’s new policies truly overcome years of governance?
Benkirane’s return to the forefront of Moroccan politics raises questions about his ability to restore trust in the PJD. Has he merely papered over internal weaknesses with a glossy new programme? The 2026 election will be a test for Benkirane and the PJD, as they seek to regain support from voters who have grown disillusioned.
The PJD’s failures in government are well-documented. Its inability to form a governing coalition after the 2016 election led to months of gridlock, while its handling of sensitive issues like Morocco’s normalisation with Israel has left many questioning the party’s commitment to its core values. Benkirane refers to “ghosts and crocodiles” – powerful interests that have obstructed his government – a metaphor for entrenched corruption and patronage networks.
As the PJD seeks to rebuild, it must confront these ghosts head-on. This means addressing systemic issues that contributed to its downfall, not just reorganising internal affairs or promoting younger leaders. The party’s 2026 programme is a start, but it will require more than words on paper to restore trust.
The consequences of the PJD’s failure are far-reaching. If the party cannot regain support from voters, particularly younger Moroccans who feel disconnected from the existing political establishment, it risks cementing Morocco’s drift towards authoritarianism. The PJD’s inability to adapt and evolve has already led to a loss of credibility with many of its former supporters.
The PJD’s future depends on more than just Benkirane’s personal appeal or the party’s new policies. It requires a fundamental transformation of the party’s culture and leadership, as well as a willingness to confront entrenched interests that have undermined its legitimacy. The stakes are high for Morocco, but also for the PJD itself: can Benkirane and his team deliver on their promises and restore trust in the party?
Reader Views
- DMDr. Maya O. · behavioral researcher
While Benkirane's return to the forefront of Moroccan politics is intriguing, it's crucial not to conflate personal charisma with genuine reform. The PJD's downfall was largely due to its inability to navigate Morocco's complex patronage networks and entrenched corruption. Rather than simply "confronting ghosts," as Benkirane suggests, the party needs to overhaul its own internal dynamics and prioritize transparency in governance. This may require more than just cosmetic changes; it demands a fundamental shift in how power is distributed within the party and accountability mechanisms are enforced.
- ANAlex N. · habit coach
The PJD's troubles run deeper than its inability to form a coalition or navigate foreign policy - they're rooted in its own institutional rot. Despite Benkirane's grand promises of reform, the party's machinery remains clogged with cronyism and patronage. For Morocco to truly move forward, it needs not just new leadership but a fundamental overhaul of how power is exercised within the PJD itself. Without this, even the most appealing programme will only paper over the cracks in its credibility.
- TCThe Calm Desk · editorial
The PJD's struggle to reclaim its moral high ground is complicated by the fact that many of its former supporters have long since moved on to alternative parties and social movements. Unless Benkirane can convincingly demonstrate a willingness to dismantle the patronage networks he himself helped create, his party will remain mired in perceptions of corruption and cronyism, struggling to win back the trust of disillusioned voters. The PJD's 2026 programme may be a breath of fresh air, but it requires more than just paper promises to restore its credibility.