Morocco’s Public Prosecutor Orders Tighter Oversight of 2026 Elections

Rabat – Morocco’s Public Prosecution has called on prosecutors across the country to closely monitor the upcoming parliamentary elections and take firm action against any violations of electoral law.

The call came in a new circular from the Prosecutor General of the Court of Cassation and Head of the Public Prosecution, Hicham Balaoui, ahead of the September 23 election to choose members of Morocco’s House of Representatives.

Balaoui instructed prosecutors at courts of appeal and first-instance courts to actively follow all stages of the electoral process. He called for the elections to take place in an atmosphere of legality, integrity, transparency, and fair competition.

The circular said the judiciary has a key role in supporting the electoral process and strengthening citizens’ trust in elections. It also referred to Article 11 of Morocco’s Constitution, which considers free, fair, and transparent elections a basis for legitimate democratic representation.

Balaoui ordered prosecutors to take firm action against practices that could harm the integrity of the elections or influence their transparency. Authorities must also investigate electoral complaints quickly and effectively and apply the relevant criminal provisions of electoral law.

The circular also calls for anyone who violates electoral rules to face legal proceedings and for prosecutors to remain available throughout the electoral period to respond to cases and complaints.

Read also: Morocco’s 2026 Elections: What Voters Need to Know Before September 23

The Public Prosecution also ordered stronger coordination between regional and local units responsible for election-related cases. These units will work with a central unit at the Public Prosecution and maintain regular contact with security teams handling electoral issues.

The measures cover the different stages of the election and aim to ensure that complaints and suspected violations receive a rapid response.

The Public Prosecution said the measures seek to create the legal and institutional conditions needed for credible elections and to protect the electoral process from actions that could affect voters’ choices.

Balaoui also instructed judicial officials to share the circular with all public prosecutors and to inform the Public Prosecution of any difficulties that could affect its implementation.

Morocco will hold its parliamentary elections on September 23, with voters choosing members of the House of Representatives. The election comes amid preparations by political parties and candidates for the campaign and voting period.

Moroccan citizens living abroad can also take part in the election by proxy. Under Morocco’s electoral rules, voters registered abroad can authorize another registered voter in Morocco to vote on their behalf. 

The election preparations have also exposed tensions within Morocco’s governing coalition. Rachid Talbi Alami, Speaker of the House of Representatives and a senior member of the RNI, sparked controversy over leaked audio in which he allegedly referred to Fouzi Lekjaa, who recently joined PAM, criticizing politicians moving between the two parties and questioning Lekjaa’s chances of taking the Economy and Finance portfolio after the election.