Morocco Gears Up for 2026 Elections Amidst Calls for Transparency
Morocco is preparing for legislative elections in September 2026, a process already marked by significant reforms aimed at addressing concerns over corruption and bolstering public trust in the political system. The upcoming elections come after a period of increased scrutiny of Moroccan parliamentarians, with a notable number facing prosecution or conviction for offenses ranging from corruption to abuse of power.
The government, under the direction of King Mohammed VI, approved a comprehensive set of electoral and political party reforms in October 2025. These changes, according to official statements, are intended to rejuvenate the political landscape and encourage capable candidates while simultaneously reducing corruption. Key measures include barring individuals with legal convictions from running for office and enforcing stricter penalties for electoral fraud.
The reforms also focus on increasing representation for specific demographics. Support will be expanded for candidates under 35, and measures are being taken to boost women’s representation in regional districts. This reflects a broader effort to address youth aspirations and promote inclusivity within the Moroccan political system, as noted by political analyst Yassine El Bahlouli, who described the reforms as “a structured and forward-looking response to youth aspirations.”
The need for these reforms has become increasingly apparent in recent years. Since 2021, twenty-six parliamentarians have faced prosecution or conviction for corruption, embezzlement, or abuse of power, with eleven ultimately receiving prison sentences. Thirty legislators have lost their seats following rulings by the Constitutional Court, fifteen of those losses stemming from criminal convictions. These figures underscore the extent of the issues the reforms are attempting to address.
Transparency in party financing is another critical area of focus. The new legislation mandates detailed accounting of all revenues and expenditures by political parties. This comes in response to previous concerns raised by Morocco’s Court of Accounts, which identified irregularities in how parties justified their use of state subsidies in 2021, potentially impacting their eligibility for funding in 2026.
However, the path to a truly transparent and trustworthy electoral process isn’t without its complexities. A recent shift in the oversight of electoral consultations has sparked debate. King Mohammed VI assigned the task of overseeing these consultations to the Minister of the Interior, rather than the Prime Minister, a departure from tradition. While Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch welcomed the move, framing it as a guarantee of neutrality, some observers view it as a sign of eroding confidence in the current government’s ability to manage the elections effectively.
The Interior Ministry, while part of the government, is not affiliated with any specific political party, leading to arguments that it is better positioned to impartially manage the electoral process. This decision aligns with Article 42 of the Moroccan Constitution, which designates the King as the supreme arbiter among institutions, responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of the state and protecting democratic choice.
The 2026 elections will see competition for all 395 seats in the House of Representatives. Currently, the National Rally of Independents (RNI), led by Mohamed Chaouki, holds the most seats with 102. Other significant parties include the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) with 87 seats, and the Istiqlal Party with 81. The United Socialist Party (USFP) currently holds 34 seats, while the Movement of Popular Progress (MP) has 28.
As the election date approaches, the focus will be on whether these reforms can effectively address the underlying issues of corruption and public distrust. El Bahlouli cautioned that without improvements in local governance and genuine anti-corruption efforts, young citizens may perceive the reforms as merely symbolic announcements rather than meaningful transformation. The success of the 2026 elections will likely hinge on the ability of the Moroccan government to deliver on its promises of a more transparent, fair, and representative political system.
