International Monitoring Mission Reports Smooth Elections in Fes
On September 23, 2026, international election observers, accredited by the National Human Rights Council, reported that the legislative elections held in the city of Fes proceeded without incident and adhered to established organizational protocols. The monitoring mission, led by the "La Nouvelle Tactique et Territoire" association, comprised a diverse group of 18 observers, including elected French officials, economic stakeholders, and civil society representatives. From the commencement of voting, the team engaged in field visits across various districts within the Fes region to track the election process at multiple stages.
The observers visited several polling stations located in neighborhoods such as Bab Ftouh, Bensouda, and Montfleury, as well as additional sites in the historic medina and the community of Oulad Tayeb. Khadija Kamraoui, the head of the mission, informed the Moroccan News Agency that by noon on Wednesday, the observers had successfully visited six educational institutions that housed nearly 30 polling stations, confirming that the electoral process unfolded in an ordinary manner.
She also noted the presence of representatives from various political parties within the polling stations included in the mission's rounds, encompassing both majority and opposition parties. This presence is deemed essential for monitoring and ensuring the electoral process is transparent and accountable. Additionally, Anna Frédéric Amwa, a French elected official and mission member, explained that their observation methodology is standardized, allowing for thorough tracking of the voting stages and documentation of field observations.
This methodology includes verifying the attendance of polling station officials, including the chairperson, their deputy, and other members, as well as ensuring the availability of necessary electoral materials such as official minutes, ballot papers, and ballot boxes. Amwa also highlighted that the observers monitored the procedures for sealing and securing the ballot boxes, along with the application of indelible ink post-voting, which serves as a mechanism to prevent multiple voting attempts.
Thus far, the mission reports no technical irregularities or security incidents at the polling stations visited, indicating that the procedures have been consistently observed across the locations. The observation mission in Fes is part of a broader national program coordinated by the aforementioned association, which has, up to midday Wednesday, visited 96 educational institutions encompassing approximately 890 polling centers across various provinces, including Tangier, Salé, Khouribga, Safi, Guelmim, and Laayoune.
The mission is set to continue its operations during the closing of polling stations and the vote counting process. Following the completion of the elections, the mission will compile various field observations and prepare a technical evaluation report to be submitted to the National Human Rights Council as part of the results from the election observation missions.
As reported by africa4press.com.
