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Six decades of legislative elections

Twelve elections, three constitutions and deep changes in who wins and who governs.

Twelve elections, three constitutions and deep changes in who wins and who governs.

A difficult start (1963–1977) The first legislative election took place on 17 May 1963 and was won by the pro-palace Front for the Defence of Constitutional Institutions . But Parliament was dissolved in 1965 when the state of exception was declared . The 1970 election, boycotted by the National Bloc, saw "independents" win 159 of 240 seats .

The "democratic process" and new parties (1977–1993) The 1977 election brought the opposition back into Parliament, and the RNI grew out of the "independents" . In 1984 the newly founded Constitutional Union came first , and in 1993 the two camps finished neck and neck . In this period part of the seats was still elected indirectly.

The Alternance (1997–2007) After the 1996 Constitution the House became entirely directly elected. The USFP won the 1997 election and Abderrahmane Youssoufi led the "Alternance" government . In 2002 a national list for women was introduced , and in 2007 turnout hit a historic low (37%) .

After the 2011 Constitution The House grew to 395 seats, and the Head of Government must now come from the winning party . The PJD won in 2011 and 2016 , the RNI in 2021 and the PAM in 2026 .

What has changed? Since 2011 no governing party has stayed on top for more than two terms, and no party has won three elections in a row. This gives alternation real meaning, but it has come with falling turnout, from 45.5% in 2011 to 38.08% in 2026 .

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