A recent report by the Moroccan Center for Human Rights has highlighted several irregularities during the September 23 elections in Morocco. The report noted that the use of money and other benefits to sway voters continued to undermine the equality of opportunities between candidates. Observers also reported the presence of middlemen in some voting centers, aiming to direct votes and engage in illegal mobilization.
The report also pointed out attempts to exploit public services and resources for electoral purposes, as well as the use of children and young people in some marginalized and rural areas during election campaigns. Furthermore, the report documented tensions, clashes, and acts of violence, including the destruction of electoral posters, which required security interventions.
Another significant concern raised by the report was the breach of voting secrecy. Images and video footage of voting cards were shared on social media, taken with mobile phones inside polling stations. The center argued that such practices raise suspicions about the potential use of these images to prove the execution of paid commitments, thus undermining voting secrecy and freedom of choice.
The report also addressed the spread of sponsored advertisements on social media platforms, including Facebook and TikTok, as well as fabricated content and deepfake manipulation using artificial intelligence and fake accounts.
Regarding the monitoring of results, the center noted the continued refusal to hand over voting records and restrictions on field observers. There were also attempts to manipulate ballot boxes for the benefit of certain candidates, particularly after the incident in Tangier.
The report did not limit its findings to election-day irregularities but also examined indicators of political participation, which reached 38.02% nationally. This figure raises questions about the decline in trust in parties and political intermediation, especially in major cities, and the prevalence of abstention and protest voting.
The Moroccan Center for Human Rights called for decisive action against those involved in electoral crimes, the activation of the principle of accountability, and the review of laws regulating electoral processes. They also recommended tightening controls on funding sources and campaign finance, setting rules for digital campaigning, and protecting voting secrecy.
Key points
- The Moroccan Center for Human Rights reported several irregularities during the September 23 elections, including vote buying and manipulation of voting records.
- The report noted a low turnout of 38.02% and highlighted concerns about trust in political parties and processes.
- The center called for stronger regulations and accountability to address electoral irregularities and ensure the integrity of future elections.
