Moroccans went to the polls Wednesday to elect the 395 members of the House of Representatives, with polling stations open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Approximately 15.8 million registered voters participated in the contest involving 28 political parties and more than 7,200 candidates.

The election determines the makeup of the lower house of parliament and influences the selection of the prime minister, whom the king appoints from the party with the most seats. The outgoing coalition government included the National Rally of Independents, the Authenticity and Modernity Party, and the Istiqlal Party.

Key issues in the campaign centered on job creation, with major parties pledging to generate around one million jobs each over the next five years. Youth unemployment stands near 37 percent, and voters expressed concerns over wages, housing, healthcare, and education. Parties also addressed the cost of living and public services.

The new government will manage the final stages of Morocco's preparations for co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, including infrastructure investments estimated at $20 billion. High turnout was anticipated in southern provinces, where observers noted strong participation expectations.

International observers, including a delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, monitored the process. Preliminary results are expected Thursday, following the close of polls.

Registered voters represent a decline from 2021 levels, drawing attention to engagement among younger citizens. The monarchy retains authority over strategic matters, while the parliament handles legislative functions under the constitution.