Morocco's September 23 elections took place under normal circumstances, with the prosecutor's office receiving 403 complaints related to the electoral process. This marks a significant decrease from the 1,071 complaints filed during the 2021 elections. According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, most complaints were not directly related to electoral crimes but rather to public right crimes committed during the election campaigns.
The complaints were received through various channels, including in-person submissions and electronic applications. The majority of complaints were filed on election day. The judicial investigations were characterized by speed and efficiency, with an average completion time of less than 48 hours. This swift response demonstrates the authorities' commitment to addressing potential irregularities and ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.
Most complaints concerned crimes such as violence, insult, defamation, and invasion of privacy, often committed through social media platforms. The prosecutor's office noted a rise in crimes committed online, including cases of defamation and violation of privacy. These cases led to the initiation of investigations and judicial proceedings.
The Public Prosecutor's Office emphasized that the decrease in complaints filed during the 2023 elections compared to 2021 reflects a positive trend. However, the office remains vigilant in monitoring and addressing potential electoral irregularities. The authorities have taken steps to enhance the transparency and accountability of the electoral process.
In some instances, representatives of candidates claimed that they were not provided with copies of voting records. The prosecutor's office reported that four complaints were filed in this regard, in Kelmim, Fquih Ben Salah, and Souk Arba Gharb. Two of these complaints were dismissed due to lack of evidence, while the remaining two are still under investigation.
According to the law, the presence of a candidate representative during the preparation of voting records is required, provided that certain conditions are met. The prosecutor's office stressed that it is essential to adhere to these conditions to ensure the legitimacy and transparency of the electoral process.
The Moroccan authorities have been working to improve the electoral process and address potential issues. The decrease in complaints filed during the 2023 elections is a positive sign, but continued efforts are needed to ensure the integrity and transparency of future elections.
Key points
- The Moroccan prosecutor's office received 403 complaints related to the September 23 elections, mostly concerning public right crimes.
- The complaints were received through various channels, including in-person submissions and electronic applications.
- The judicial investigations were characterized by speed and efficiency, with an average completion time of less than 48 hours.
