The 2026 Moroccan legislative elections, held on September 23, were conducted in a normal and peaceful atmosphere, according to Mourad El Alami, head of the public prosecution's department for public action and criminal analysis. A total of 403 complaints were filed during the election process, which is a significant decrease from the 1,071 complaints recorded during the 2021 elections. The public prosecution closely monitored the elections, with direct involvement from the parquets.
The complaints filed during the 2026 elections were submitted through various channels, including direct submissions to the parquets and electronic submissions via specialized applications provided by the public prosecution. The majority of complaints were filed on the day of the election. El Alami emphasized that investigations into these complaints were conducted efficiently and swiftly, with an average investigation time of less than 48 hours.
According to El Alami, most of the electoral infractions recorded during the 2026 elections were related to common crimes committed during electoral campaigns, such as acts of violence, insults, and breaches of privacy. However, there was also an increase in crimes committed through electronic means, including social media, with several complaints filed for defamation and privacy violations.
The public prosecution opened investigations into these crimes and initiated prosecutions against those responsible. In addition to these cases, there were also complaints filed regarding the non-delivery of voting process minutes to candidate delegates. A total of four complaints were filed, with two being dropped due to lack of evidence and two still under investigation.
El Alami explained that the law governing the Chamber of Representatives defines the procedure for obtaining copies of voting process minutes, which requires the presence of candidate delegates at the polling stations. He emphasized that the absence of delegates during the counting process means that the necessary conditions for a crime are not met, and therefore, no prosecution can be pursued.
The public prosecution played a significant role in ensuring the smooth conduct of the 2026 legislative elections, closely monitoring the process and applying the law strictly. El Alami highlighted the importance of this process, which took place without major incidents, and emphasized the commitment to upholding the rules governing the electoral process.
The successful conduct of the 2026 legislative elections demonstrates Morocco's continued efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions and processes. The decrease in complaints filed and the efficient handling of investigations reflect the country's progress in ensuring the integrity and transparency of its electoral processes.
Key points
- The 2026 Moroccan legislative elections saw a significant decrease in complaints filed compared to the 2021 elections.
- The public prosecution played a key role in monitoring the elections and ensuring their smooth conduct.
- Crimes committed through electronic means, including social media, were on the rise during the 2026 elections.
