Morocco's legislative elections took place on Wednesday, September 23, under the watchful eyes of numerous international observers. A total of 3,006 national observers and observers were mobilized, including 783 from the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) and 2,023 from Moroccan non-governmental associations. Additionally, around 200 international observers from 20 international organizations and institutions, as well as 10 diplomatic representations, were accredited to monitor the electoral process.
The international observers represent a diverse range of countries and organizations, including the Council of Europe, the Organization of La Francophonie, the Arab League, and the International Republican Institute. These observers are deployed across Morocco's 12 regions, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of the electoral process. The CNDH confirmed that the international delegations include representatives from Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Asia.
A delegation of 20 parliamentarians from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) arrived in Morocco on September 21 to observe the elections. Led by Italian Elisabetta Gardini, the delegation includes an expert from the Venice Commission, which provides advice on constitutional matters. The PACE delegation met with Moroccan authorities, civil society representatives, and international community members before observing the voting process.
The Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) also deployed a mission to Morocco, led by André-Magnus Ekoumou, an ambassador from Cameroon. The OIF delegation includes a Beninese judge and a Canadian parliamentarian, as well as experts from member states. The mission aims to assess the electoral process and will issue a preliminary statement after the vote.
The Arab League is also represented, with a mission led by Secretary General Deputy Hussein Al-Hindawi. The Arab League delegation will meet with Moroccan institutions and parties involved in the electoral process, observing the various stages of the operation. A preliminary statement and final report will be issued after the elections.
A US delegation from the International Republican Institute (IRI) is also present, led by David Schenker and Tami Longaberger. Notably, this mission will focus on observing the electoral process in Laâyoune and Dakhla, providing additional insight into the voting process in these regions.
The presence of international observers is expected to provide an independent assessment of the electoral process, contributing to transparency and credibility. The various missions will issue statements and reports, providing an evaluation of the elections and recommendations for future improvements.
Key points
- Nearly 200 international observers from 30 organizations are monitoring Morocco's legislative elections.
- Observers are deployed across Morocco's 12 regions to assess the electoral process.
- Various international organizations, including the Council of Europe and the Arab League, are represented in the observation missions.
