Morocco Opens Judicial Probe Into Claims of Drug Money Influencing 2026 Elections

Casablanca – Morocco’s Public Prosecutor’s Office has ordered a judicial investigation into statements made by a candidate for the upcoming legislative elections about the possible use of drug proceeds to influence electoral operations.

The King’s Prosecutor at the Kenitra Court of Appeal said the decision followed the circulation on social media of remarks made by a candidate during a political gathering. According to the statement, the candidate spoke of a significant quantity of drugs and claimed that money obtained from it could be used to influence the electoral process.

The prosecutor did not identify the candidate in the statement. According to converging reports, he referred to the possible use of money from a large drug shipment to influence elections and elected institutions.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office said the investigation was opened to establish the circumstances and context of the statement and to determine any necessary legal consequences. It said the move falls within its responsibilities to safeguard the electoral process, ensure the proper application of the law and protect the integrity of elections.

The electoral framework of the legislative elections scheduled for September 23 includes measures intended to strengthen the integrity and transparency of the vote.

Moroccan authorities have also established central, provincial and regional committees to monitor the different stages of the electoral process and respond to practices that could affect its integrity.

The government has said the 2026 electoral framework seeks to strengthen rules governing the conduct of elections and protect voters’ free choice. The legal framework also regulates campaign financing, including state contributions to political parties and ceilings on candidates’ campaign spending.

Read also: Morocco’s Public Prosecutor Orders Tighter Oversight of 2026 Elections

Moroccan prosecutors have separately called for firm action against practices that could undermine the integrity and transparency of electoral registration.

The applicable legislation criminalizes several electoral violations and provides penalties aimed at protecting the electoral process.

The Kenitra investigation will now determine the circumstances surrounding the statements and whether they warrant further legal action.