Morocco is introducing a series of new measures ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections aimed at tightening candidate eligibility, strengthening electoral integrity and increasing transparency in the voting process.
Under the new rules, candidates caught in the act of committing offenses that undermine electoral ethics, integrity or the credibility of the electoral process may have their candidacies rejected or annulled, provided the violations are established after their applications have been submitted.
The new framework also tightens eligibility requirements for individuals convicted of serious offenses. Those convicted at first instance of a crime will be barred from standing for election, given the gravity of such charges. Individuals with final convictions on appeal that result in the loss of eligibility will likewise be prevented from running.
The measures form part of a strengthened legal and institutional framework designed to ensure greater electoral integrity, fair competition and transparency, while supporting broader efforts to consolidate democratic practices and restore citizens’ confidence in elected institutions.
The reforms also extend to elected officials who have been removed from office. Under the new provisions, officials dismissed for serious misconduct will be barred from standing for election for two full electoral terms, preventing what authorities describe as a rapid return to public office after being sanctioned.
Tougher penalties for electoral crimes
The new legislation further toughens penalties for electoral offenses, with most provisions governing electoral crimes revised to increase prison sentences and financial penalties. Some violations will also be reclassified as crimes depending on their seriousness.
The reforms address emerging challenges associated with digital technologies and social media. The use of social media platforms, online services and artificial intelligence to commit electoral fraud will be criminalized, including the dissemination of fabricated content or false information, as well as the manipulation of images or statements to defame candidates or infringe on voters’ privacy.
The new provisions also ban paid political advertising on foreign digital platforms, with the measure intended to limit external influence on Morocco’s electoral process and safeguard the sovereignty of national electoral decision-making.
New rules for voting booths
The reforms also introduce measures designed to strengthen both the secrecy and transparency of voting.
Voters will be required to cast their ballots in an open-sided voting booth positioned facing polling-station officials and representatives of candidates.
The measure is intended to prevent practices that could compromise the integrity of the vote, including photographing ballots or attempting to influence voters inside polling stations.
Taken together, the measures represent a broader overhaul of Morocco’s electoral rules ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections, with a focus on candidate eligibility, electoral offenses, digital manipulation, campaign financing and the integrity of the voting process.
