Morocco's Islamist PJD seeks redemption after electoral collapse

Morocco's Justice and Development Party, known by its French acronym PJD, is charting a new course after its dramatic electoral downfall two years ago. The Islamist-leaning party, which had dominated Moroccan politics since 2011, suffered a historic defeat in 2021 when voters turned against it amid public discontent over economic mismanagement and governance failures.

The party's resurgence is being led by Abdelilah Benkirane, who previously served as prime minister and represents the party's reformist wing. His return to party leadership signals an attempt to distance the PJD from the perceived failures of its recent decade in government and reconnect with a disappointed electorate.

Analysts say the PJD's fall from prominence reflects broader challenges facing Islamist political movements across the Middle East and North Africa, where initial electoral successes have often given way to governance difficulties. The party must now demonstrate substantive reforms in its organizational structure and policy platform to rebuild credibility among Moroccan voters.

The PJD's recovery strategy includes internal restructuring and a rebranding effort to emphasize anti-corruption measures and improved economic policies. However, observers note the party faces an uphill battle in regaining the trust of millions of voters who abandoned it at the ballot box, particularly younger citizens and those struggling with unemployment and rising living costs.