On September 25, 2026, local sources reported that a search warrant had been issued for Monir El Limouri, the mayor of Tangier, in connection with an investigation into electoral irregularities. The warrant was issued after El Limouri failed to respond to repeated summons from security services tasked with investigating the case. According to reports, El Limouri had traveled to Spain, although he was not prohibited from leaving the country and no formal charges had been filed against him.
The investigation centers on allegations of electoral fraud that emerged during the legislative elections held on September 23, 2026. On that day, a person was arrested near a polling station in Tangier's Kasabarat neighborhood, allegedly carrying a bag containing hundreds of electoral documents. Images and videos circulated on social media showing white envelopes inside a transparent ballot box, sparking widespread controversy and accusations of "blatant forgery."
The Tangier Court of Appeal's public prosecutor's office launched a judicial investigation into the matter, resulting in the arrest of several individuals, including the heads of two polling stations and a fifth suspect linked to the mayor's circle. El Limouri himself appeared at the Tangier police headquarters on the same day, accompanied by a party official, where they were questioned as part of the investigation.
The Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), to which El Limouri belongs, has claimed that the incident may be a "conspiracy" targeting the party and its candidates. The party has announced its support for a transparent judicial investigation and has filed a complaint against those accused of damaging its reputation.
Despite the developments, no official comment has been issued by the security services, the public prosecutor's office, or the PAM confirming or denying the search warrant. Efforts to contact El Limouri directly have been unsuccessful. However, sources close to the mayor claim that his travel plans were pre-arranged for medical and personal reasons, rather than an attempt to evade investigation.
The case has sparked concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Morocco, with many questioning the circumstances surrounding the alleged irregularities. As the investigation continues, authorities have yet to confirm whether El Limouri will be formally charged or returned to Morocco to face questioning.
The incident has raised questions about the potential impact on the mayor's career and the reputation of the PAM. With the investigation ongoing, it remains to be seen how the case will unfold and what consequences El Limouri and others involved may face.
Key points
- A search warrant has been issued for Monir El Limouri, the mayor of Tangier, amid an investigation into alleged electoral fraud.
- The investigation centers on allegations of irregularities during the legislative elections held on September 23, 2026.
- The Authenticity and Modernity Party has claimed that the incident may be a "conspiracy" targeting the party and its candidates.
