Rabat:Morocco's Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) emerged as the leading party in the country's legislative elections, securing 97 seats, according to results announced by the Interior Ministry.

According to Anadolu Agency, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced the preliminary official results at a news conference in Rabat. He noted that voting across the country proceeded under normal conditions, with unspecified isolated cases that did not impact the overall electoral process.

The National Rally of Independents (RNI) followed PAM with 66 seats, while the Istiqlal Party won 65 seats. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) placed fourth with 54 seats. The Popular Movement secured 29 seats, the Socialist Union of Popular Forces obtained 26, the Party of Progress and Socialism garnered 19, and the Constitutional Union achieved 17 seats. Additionally, the Left Alliance and Social Democratic Movement each won eight seats, while the Democratic Forces Front and Insaf Party each secured two seats. The New Democrats and Unity and Democracy parties each won one seat.

These results determine the composition of Morocco's 395-member House of Representatives. Under the country's constitutional system, the king appoints the head of government from the party with the most seats. The ministry reported that voter turnout was 38.02% nationwide, a decrease from 50.18% in the 2021 legislative elections. There are 15,801,162 voters registered on the electoral rolls.

A party needs at least 198 seats for a majority in the House, prompting consultations to form a governing majority. In the previous 2021 elections, the RNI topped the results with 102 seats, followed by PAM with 86 and Istiqlal with 81. Currently, RNI leader Aziz Akhannouch heads a coalition government that includes PAM and Istiqlal.

The upcoming government will have to address political, economic, and social challenges, including projects related to Morocco's preparations to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup.