Morocco's PJD Rebuilds After Dramatic 2021 Electoral Defeat

Morocco's Justice and Development Party (PJD), an Islamist-leaning political party, is undergoing a rebuilding phase under former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane, following its severe electoral defeat in the 2021 general elections. The party, once a dominant force in Moroccan politics, lost a vast majority of its parliamentary seats.

The PJD aims to restore public confidence and regain its political influence through a comprehensive program and internal reforms. A key question is the extent to which Benkirane's personal popularity can contribute to the party's recovery.

Highlights

• Major 2021 Loss: The PJD suffered a significant defeat in the 2021 elections, dropping from 125 seats to just 13.
• Benkirane's Return: Former leader and ex-Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane is spearheading the party's rebuilding efforts.
• Comprehensive Program: The PJD's 2026 program outlines 467 measures across five broad areas, including identity, family, political reform, public services, economy, and foreign policy.
• Internal Reflection: The party has critically reviewed its years in government and reorganized internally following the 2021 defeat.
• Opposition to Normalization: The PJD continues to oppose Morocco's normalization of diplomatic ties with Israel, despite the decision being made while the party was in government.

Details

The PJD emerged as a significant political force in Morocco after the 2011 reforms. It won 107 seats in the 2011 elections, forming the government, and increased its seats to 125 in 2016. However, the 2021 elections saw a dramatic decline, with the National Rally of Independents (RNI) securing a major victory while the PJD faced an unexpected collapse.

Central to the party's recovery strategy is Abdelilah Benkirane, considered a strong political brand. An analysis by Al Jazeera Studies suggests that Benkirane's extensive public career, media presence, and direct communication style could serve as electoral capital for the party. The PJD Youth also emphasizes the importance of sustained engagement for young people, beyond just electoral campaigns.

The PJD's 2026 program focuses on practical issues such as fighting corruption, improving public services, employment, and economic sovereignty. Party officials state that the program was developed through studies, consultations, and online proposals. One of the main lessons learned from the 2021 defeat, according to the party, was the need to strengthen internal organization and critically assess its time in government.

Why it matters

The PJD's efforts to recover are crucial for the future of Moroccan politics. It remains to be seen how the party will balance its acceptance of the monarchy's central role in strategic state decisions with its opposition to policies like normalization with Israel. A key question is also how much the