IRI's Mission to Observe Morocco's Parliamentary Elections
The International Republican Institute (IRI), a reputable non-profit and non-partisan organization committed to promoting democracy and freedom across the globe, is set to dispatch a delegation of international election observers to Morocco from September 20 to 25, 2026. This mission aims to conduct a rapid response technical assessment of the parliamentary elections scheduled for September 23 in the Southern Provinces of Morocco.
David Schenker, a former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs and co-leader of the mission alongside IRI Board Member Tami Longaberger, emphasized the significance of these elections. He stated, “Morocco’s Southern Provinces sit at the intersection of significant investment, evolving political dynamics, and governance reforms.” Schenker further elaborated that the outcomes of these elections will be crucial in determining how Morocco’s political institutions respond to the Southern Provinces’ increasing demands for economic opportunities, accountable governance, and meaningful political engagement, ultimately translating these needs into credible democratic representation.
The high-level delegation will collaborate with IRI’s long-term election analysts, who have been actively monitoring the electoral landscape in Morocco since August. Throughout their mission, the delegation will engage with election authorities, representatives from political parties, civic organizations, and various stakeholders across the Moroccan political spectrum. On the day of the elections, these delegates will be strategically deployed throughout the governorates of Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab and Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra to ensure comprehensive observation.
Post-election, the IRI will provide a preliminary statement of findings followed by a detailed report that will offer an impartial assessment of the election's integrity and conduct. This report will also include recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficacy of future electoral processes in Morocco. Since its inception in 1983, the IRI has conducted over 270 international election observation missions worldwide, establishing a solid reputation for professionalism and objectivity in its assessments.
This mission will adhere strictly to the [_Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct_](https://www.iri.org/resources/declaration-of-principles-for-international-election-observation-and-code-of-conduct-for-international-election-observers/), basing its findings and recommendations on Moroccan laws and international electoral standards. Importantly, all activities will be executed on a strictly nonpartisan basis, ensuring no interference in the electoral process.
As reported by iri.org.
