The Moroccan Interior Ministry has issued a circular to governors, prefects, and other local officials, emphasizing the right of representatives from nomination lists to obtain copies of records from voting stations, central offices, and counting committees. This move aims to ensure transparency in the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for September 23, 2026. According to the ministry, the Organic Law 27.11 governing the House of Representatives grants this right to representatives of nomination lists.
The law allows representatives of nomination lists to continuously monitor voting, counting, and tallying processes conducted by voting stations. They can also request that any observations they make during these processes be included in the records of voting stations. Furthermore, they have the right to attend the work of central offices and counting committees at the level of provinces, prefectures, and regions.
The Organic Law 27.11 also guarantees representatives of nomination lists the right to obtain a copy of records from voting stations, central offices, and counting committees. These copies have the same validity as the original records. The ministry has instructed heads of voting stations, central offices, and counting committees to prepare copies of these records, equal in number to the representatives of nomination lists present, using available means.
The copies of records must be delivered immediately to the representatives of nomination lists against a receipt, after being numbered and signed by the heads and members of these offices or committees. The ministry has emphasized that the law criminalizes the refusal to deliver copies of records to representatives of nomination lists, imposing penalties of imprisonment from six months to one year and fines ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 dirhams.
In addition to the right to obtain copies of records, candidates concerned can also inspect the records of voting stations, central offices, and counting committees at the premises of local administrative authorities or provinces, prefectures, and regions. This right can be exercised during working hours for a period of eight consecutive days, starting from the date of their deposit.
Candidates who have had their election contested can also inspect the records of electoral operations and obtain a copy thereof at the premises of local administrative authorities or provinces, prefectures, and regions. This right can be exercised during working hours for a period of eight consecutive days, starting from the date of notification of the appeal.
The Interior Ministry's circular aims to ensure the transparency and integrity of the parliamentary elections, which are scheduled to take place on September 23, 2026. By granting representatives of nomination lists access to records of electoral operations, the ministry seeks to build trust in the electoral process and prevent any potential disputes or irregularities.
Key points
- Representatives of nomination lists have the right to obtain copies of records from voting stations, central offices, and counting committees.
- The refusal to deliver copies of records to representatives of nomination lists is a punishable offense.
- Candidates can inspect records of electoral operations and obtain copies thereof at the premises of local administrative authorities or provinces, prefectures, and regions.
