Morocco’s government has just approved a controversial change to its election law—setting out steep new penalties for anyone who publicly spreads rumors or “false information” that cast doubt on the credibility or transparency of national elections. The legislative proposal, drafted as Article 2 of Organic Law No. 04.21 and endorsed by the Akhannouch cabinet, mandates prison sentences of two to five years and fines of roughly $5,000 to $10,000 for violators.
For context, Morocco, a constitutional monarchy led by King Mohammed VI, has made advances in electoral reform over the last decade. Yet questions about transparency, freedom of expression, and political dissent remain persistent flashpoints—highlighting the balancing act between stability and democracy in the North African nation.
The change in the election law is drawing fierce opposition from political leaders across the spectrum, according to YaBiladi. Abdelilah Benkirane, Secretary General of the Justice and Development Party (PJD) and former Prime Minister, took to social media this week to denounce what he sees as an attack on basic democratic freedoms. “The Interior Ministry can’t forbid us from questioning the election results. That’s not democracy,” Benkirane declared. “I have the right to doubt, and no one can take that from me. Silencing people like this has no place in the Morocco of 2025 and 2026.”
Benkirane also pointed out that contesting election results is not new—his party and others have raised concerns for years, particularly during the 2021 elections.
YaBiladi notes that other opposition figures, like Federation of the Left leader Abdeslam El Aziz, echo these concerns, warning that the law could stifle legitimate criticism and public debate. Critics note that Morocco’s Interior Ministry previously prosecuted former Istiqlal MP Abdellah Bekkali in 2015, after he alleged vote-buying during local and regional races.
The contested article and the broader bill amending Organic Law No. 27.11 are set to come before the Chamber of Representatives for debate and final approval next week.
