Morocco's September 23 legislative elections were conducted normally and adequately, according to the Public Prosecution. The number of complaints recorded during the electoral process fell significantly compared to the 2021 elections. Public prosecutors received 403 complaints related to the elections, compared to 1,071 complaints recorded during the 2021 elections.
The complaints were submitted either directly to public prosecution offices or electronically through digital platforms developed by the Public Prosecution. The highest number of complaints was recorded on election day itself. Murad Alami, head of the Public Prosecution's Public Action and Criminal Policy Implementation Monitoring and Crime Analysis Division, stated that judicial investigations into the complaints were conducted with precision and efficiency.
Investigations were completed within 48 hours, and most complaints involved ordinary criminal offenses allegedly committed during election campaigns, including violence, verbal abuse, and violations of privacy. Authorities also recorded an increase in offenses committed through electronic means, particularly social media. Several complaints involved alleged defamation and violations of private life.
Judicial investigations were opened in these cases, with legal proceedings initiated against those allegedly responsible. Four complaints were recorded regarding the failure to provide copies of election records to candidates' representatives. These complaints were limited in both number and geographic scope, and were recorded in the electoral districts of Guelmim, Fahs-Anjra, Souk El Arbaa, and one other local electoral district.
Judicial investigations were opened, and legal measures were taken. Two of the complaints were dismissed due to the absence of evidence establishing a criminal offense, while two remained under investigation. Alami noted that Article 57 of the organic law governing the House of Representatives establishes the procedure for obtaining copies of election records.
Under the provision, polling station heads are required to provide copies to representatives of candidates who are present when the records are prepared. The offense relating to failure to provide copies requires a specific legal condition: the candidate's representative must be present at the polling station when the record is being prepared.
The Public Prosecution directly monitored the September 23 election process, following its different stages and applying the relevant legal provisions, with the stated aim of ensuring that the elections proceeded in accordance with the rules governing the electoral process.
Key points
- The 2026 legislative elections in Morocco proceeded normally, with a significant decrease in complaints compared to the 2021 elections.
- A total of 403 complaints were received, mostly related to ordinary criminal offenses committed during election campaigns.
- Investigations into complaints were completed within 48 hours, and legal proceedings were initiated against those allegedly responsible.
