What is behind the PJD’s defeat in Morocco’s election?

The party that led the government for a decade was dealt a severe blow in parliamentary polls.

The Justice and Development Party, known as the PJD, came to the forefront of the political scene in Morocco on the heels of the Arab Spring.

Since then, it has led the government to victory in two elections.

Keep reading

Morocco’s ruling party suffers crushing defeat to liberal rivals

Ballot counting under way in Morocco vote overshadowed by apathy

Can elections change the balance of power in Morocco?

But on Wednesday, all that changed dramatically.

The PJD lost more than 100 parliamentary seats, a performance that pushed it to the margin of politics in Morocco.

A party considered close to the palace is now expected to lead the next government. But will that change anything in the country?

Presenter: Bernard Smith

Guests:

Lahcen Haddad – Political analyst and former Moroccan minister

Jasper Hamann – Columnist with Morocco World News

Mohamed El Hachimi – Political scientist