Morocco implements major electoral reforms ahead of 2026 legislative elections

Morocco’s government has approved comprehensive electoral and political party reforms targeting the September 2026 legislative elections,responding to mounting concerns over corruption and public trust in the political system. The reforms,adopted during a Council of Ministers meeting chaired by King Mohammed VI on October 19,include measures barring individuals with legal convictions from candidacy,enforcing stricter penalties against electoral fraud,and expanding support for candidates under 35 while boosting women’s representation in regional districts.

The legislative overhaul comes against a backdrop of unprecedented political scrutiny. Since 2021,twenty-six parliamentarians have faced prosecution or conviction for corruption,embezzlement,or abuse of power charges,with eleven receiving prison sentences. Additionally,thirty legislators have lost their seats following Constitutional Court rulings,including fifteen after criminal convictions.

King Mohammed VI emphasized the importance of electoral integrity in his Throne Speech,directing political parties and institutions to ensure adequate preparation,with the reforms aimed at rejuvenating the political landscape by encouraging capable candidates and reducing corruption to foster public trust.

The new legislation addresses party financing transparency,requiring detailed accounting of revenues and expenditures. Morocco’s Court of Accounts has previously identified significant irregularities,including parties failing to submit justifications for state subsidy expenditures in 2021,raising questions about their eligibility for 2026 funding.

Political analyst Yassine El Bahlouli characterized,in a statement relayed by news outlet le360,the reforms as “a structured and forward-looking response to youth aspirations,” though he warned that without improved local governance and genuine anti-corruption efforts,young citizens will perceive only announcements rather than transformation.

Political parties have submitted detailed reform proposals addressing electoral district boundaries,campaign spending limits,and mechanisms to combat vote-buying practices. The opposition Party of Progress and Socialism has called for automatic disqualification of corruption-linked candidates and digitized voting processes,while advocating for women’s representation to reach one-third of parliamentary seats.