Interior Minister Abdel Ouafi Laftit confirmed on Wednesday at the House of Representatives that the legislative framework governing elections primarily aims to enhance the integrity of the electoral and political processes.
Laftit explained during a meeting of the Committee on the Interior, Local Authorities, Housing, Urban Policy, and Administrative Affairs, dedicated to a general discussion of legislative proposals concerning the election of House members, that the presented bills provide guarantees for all to ensure electoral integrity. He emphasized that the state is maintaining a neutral stance towards all political forces, insisting that the primary beneficiary should be Morocco.
The minister noted that the preparation of this framework underwent several phases, starting with the royal directives outlined in the Throne Speech on July 29, which stressed the need to establish a comprehensive electoral framework by the end of the year. This was followed by extensive consultations with political parties, resulting in the current draft proposals under discussion.
He added that Security Council Resolution 2797 regarding Western Sahara, along with its implications, adds a new dimension to these electoral laws, a consideration that should be taken into account during discussions of the new texts. He deemed the debate on these legislative proposals as a pivotal moment in Morocco’s democratic journey.
In this context, Laftit underscored that challenging the results of elections should not even be a consideration—not because it is legally impossible, but because the new framework aims to purify electoral practices, eliminate any doubts surrounding elected officials and political action, and ensure equal opportunities for all candidates. He reiterated the ministry’s openness to parliamentary suggestions that could further guarantee fair elections.
Regarding new provisions criminalizing the use of social media for electoral crimes, Laftit highlighted that the rise of these platforms, along with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, poses new challenges, particularly in producing false information that could influence the electoral process. He stated that this necessitates increased caution and stricter penalties.
Concerning provisions aimed at providing financial incentives for youth candidacies for membership in the House of Representatives, the minister confirmed that these funds would be subject to crucial and precise conditions. He noted that the goal is to encourage political parties to enhance the representation of youth and women within the legislative institution.
