Morocco prosecutors to monitor 2026 legislative elections

The Office of the Public Prosecutor has issued a circular to all courts in Morocco, urging prosecutors at both courts of appeal and courts of first instance to ensure the smooth running of the legislative elections set for September 23, 2026. This initiative aims to «guarantee that the vote is conducted lawfully, with integrity, transparency, and fair competition», the statement revealed.

Hicham Balaoui, the King’s Prosecutor General at the Court of Cassation and head of the Office of the Public Prosecutor, highlighted the judiciary’s crucial role in the electoral process. This is pivotal to «bolster citizens’ trust and ensure a secure vote, in alignment with Article 11 of the Constitution, which establishes free, fair, and transparent elections as the cornerstone of democratic legitimacy».

The circular emphasized the urgency of «taking all necessary measures» to ensure every stage of the process complies with the law, aiming to «vigorously combat practices that could compromise the integrity of the vote or affect its fairness and transparency».

To achieve this, the directive calls for firmness and rigor in addressing «illegal practices that could jeopardize the electoral process’s integrity», coupled with the enforcement of suitable legal penalties. It also stresses the importance of «swift and effective handling of investigations into complaints», ensuring «continuous service throughout the electoral period» while enhancing coordination among judicial services.