Investigation into Alleged Surveillance During Election Campaign
In a significant development regarding electoral integrity, the Moroccan Public Prosecutor's Office has initiated an investigation following statements made by Moha Ouzine, the Secretary-General of the Popular Movement Party. Ouzine alleged that his party has been subjected to various forms of surveillance, including the monitoring of mobile phones, during the lead-up to the legislative elections scheduled for September 23. The investigation has been entrusted to the National Judicial Police Brigade, which will seek to verify the claims and determine any necessary legal actions based on the findings.
The ongoing election campaign is marked by intense competition among 28 political parties vying for 395 seats in the House of Representatives, with over 15.8 million voters registered to participate. The campaign, which lasts for 13 days, focuses heavily on the economic and social programs proposed by the parties involved. A critical challenge for the electoral process is the voter turnout, as members of the House of Representatives are elected through a proportional representation system that allocates one-third of the seats to women, thereby promoting female participation in politics.
Political Context and Challenges
The allegations of surveillance surfaced during a speech by Ouzine at a rally in Berrechid, near Casablanca, where he expressed that his party is facing targeted attacks that are intended to undermine its campaign. He characterized these attacks as a reflection of the party's stance against what he called mediocrity and triviality in political discourse, suggesting that opponents resort to personal attacks and unethical tactics instead of engaging with the substantive issues outlined in his party's electoral program. The campaign for the legislative elections, which commenced on September 14, is crucial for the political landscape of Morocco, especially given the pressing social, economic, and sovereign challenges the nation faces.
According to official data released on the designated electoral portal, the elections will see 28 political parties competing for 395 parliamentary seats through direct list voting. As of July 10, the number of registered voters stood at 15,801,162, with a demographic breakdown of 54% male and 46% female. The nomination stage also revealed the submission of 702 candidate lists via the dedicated electronic platform, reflecting the competitive nature of the electoral process across various constituencies.
These legislative elections come at a time when Morocco is navigating significant socio-economic challenges, including the implementation of the autonomy plan for Western Sahara, the joint organization of the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, the establishment of a social state, and the urgent need to address unemployment and restore public trust in political institutions. The turnout rate is particularly critical, as any decline in voter engagement could echo the low participation rates witnessed in the 2007 Moroccan elections, which stood at a mere 37%, potentially jeopardizing the reformative trajectory Morocco has pursued since the Arab Spring.
As reported by aajeg.com.
