Beyond Inclusion and Co-Optation, Understanding Youth Representation in Authoritarian Settings: The Case of Moroccan Youth Quotas (2016-2021)

In many countries worldwide, young people suffer from low political representation and social exclusion. Under the pressure of international organisations, which have made these issues a global concern, many governments in countries where the young constitute most of the population have taken measures to address the problem. One such measure has been the implementation of parliamentary quotas. Interestingly, authoritarian and hybrid regimes in North Africa and the Great Lakes region have predominantly embraced these quotas. This prompts the question: Who are these MPs, and how do they engage with their political regimes? We present a recent case study on the Moroccan parliament (2016-2020) that explores this relationship for the first time. The study examines the profiles of MPs, their political paths, discourses, and parliamentary activities. Using mixed methods, we explored the implementation of youth quotas and discovered a more profound narrative. The findings extend beyond mere concepts of inclusion or co-optation, shedding light on the intergenerational conflicts within the political class. Regardless of their party affiliations, these MPs embodied the aspirations of a burgeoning middle class determined to secure their place in the country’s political arena.