Moroccan lawyer Meryem Jamal Eddirisi has expressed concerns over the increasing financial expenditure during election campaigns in Morocco. She argues that the large sums of money spent to reach the Parliament raise questions about the goals and interests behind such investments. Eddirisi notes that when these expenses exceed the legal ceiling and deviate from democratic competition rules, it undermines the integrity of the electoral process.
Eddirisi emphasizes that excessive election spending raises fundamental questions about how funds are recovered and whether certain economic interests rely on parliamentary positions to protect or serve them. She stresses that running for office should not become a commercial transaction or a means to expand influence, as parliamentary representation is a constitutional responsibility that requires representing citizens and defending their interests.
The lawyer believes that transforming a parliamentary seat into a result of financial capacity rather than a reflection of political efficiency and popular trust weakens the principle of equal opportunities. This, she argues, opens the door for those with money to dominate, at the expense of competencies and political projects. Eddirisi warns that excessive election spending raises questions about the sources of funds and the goals associated with them.
Eddirisi also explores the possibility that some forms of election financing may be linked to economic interests seeking to protect their influence or to launder money. She questions whether election spending can become, in some cases, an entry point for using elected institutions to protect private interests or engage in money laundering. Eddirisi calls for effective oversight and thorough financial investigations.
Eddirisi advocates for stricter monitoring of election campaign financing, emphasizing that the role of authorities and specialized agencies, particularly the Supreme Audit Authority, should include verifying the reality of expenses, sources of funding, and their conformity to reality. This includes tracking indirect forms of spending that may occur through assistance, donations, services, transportation, catering, or parallel advertising.
The lawyer notes that vote buying does not necessarily occur through direct financial payments but can take various forms aimed at influencing voters' will. Eddirisi believes that strict oversight of election money is not a restriction on political work but rather a protection of electoral competition and citizens' freedom of choice. She calls for enhancing transparency in campaign financing and imposing legal and political consequences for proven violations.
Eddirisi concludes by questioning the purpose of spending large sums to reach Parliament, asking whether the goal is to represent citizens and serve their interests or to invest in votes in hopes of recovering through influence, relationships, and interests linked to the parliamentary position. She emphasizes that a parliamentary seat should be seen as a responsibility and a trust, not a commercial project or a means to obtain privileges or protect special interests.
Key points
- Moroccan lawyer Meryem Jamal Eddirisi calls for stricter oversight of election campaign financing to prevent undue influence and protect democratic competition.
