HIBAPRESS – A. Mahyaoui
In preparation for the launch of the election campaign for the House of Representatives members, scheduled for September 23rd, Ibrahim Abu Zeid, Governor of Sefrou Province, chaired an expanded meeting on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, dedicated to discussing the various arrangements and measures accompanying this electoral event.
Attending the meeting, in addition to the Governor, were the King's Prosecutor at the Sefrou Court of First Instance, representatives of local authorities and security services, as well as election list agents, representatives of local political parties, and the candidates.
The meeting provided an opportunity to emphasize the need to provide suitable conditions for the success of the election campaign, which begins tomorrow, Thursday, September 10, and to enable the various competitors to present their programs and communicate with voters, within a framework of respect for legal rules and campaign regulations, ensuring equal opportunities, fair competition, and freedom of choice and voting.
This meeting also falls within the framework of measures to activate the provincial committee responsible for monitoring electoral operations related to the September 23, 2026, vote, as part of a monitoring and support system aimed at ensuring the smooth running of the various stages of the electoral process, and preserving its integrity, transparency, and security.
Legal Contents to Frame the Election Campaign
During the meeting, a number of legal provisions related to legislative elections were reviewed, particularly the regulations governing the election campaign and punitive provisions aimed at protecting the integrity of competition and equal opportunities, and ensuring that voters' will is not influenced or their freedom of choice is not compromised.
It was also recalled that the election campaign is subject to a specific time and legal framework, and that electoral meetings are subject to the current legislative and regulatory provisions concerning public gatherings, while electoral advertisements and posters are also subject to legal regulations concerning their preparation, posting, distribution, and the places where they can be displayed.
In the same context, it was emphasized that the use of a number of spaces and institutions for electoral campaign purposes is prohibited, including places of worship, educational and training institutions, and public administrations, in addition to recalling the legal provisions related to electoral content and advertisements published through electronic media and platforms.
The meeting also stressed the provisions criminalizing undue influence on voters' will, especially through gifts, donations, benefits, or any means that could lead voters to vote for a specific candidate or refrain from voting, as well as criminalizing the use of violence, threats, or intimidation to influence the freedom of voting.
Governor of the Province Calls for Fair Competition and Respect for the Law
In a speech on the occasion, the Governor of Sefrou Province called on the candidates and all stakeholders to embody a spirit of responsibility and awareness of the importance of this electoral stage, and to adopt a discourse and electoral practice based on fair competition, mutual respect, and strict adherence to the law.
He affirmed that prioritizing the public interest over narrow considerations would contribute to strengthening citizens' trust in the electoral process and consolidating its credibility, stressing that the success of this election remains a collective responsibility that requires mobilization, vigilance, and cooperation among all stakeholders, each in their position and according to their assigned responsibilities.
Public Prosecution Allocates Duty Service to Receive Complaints
For her part, the King's Prosecutor at the Sefrou Court of First Instance explained that the Public Prosecution at the Court has made special arrangements to monitor the electoral phase, by organizing a duty service dedicated to receiving complaints and grievances submitted by political parties and candidates.
She also stated that the Court is in the process of creating an email address that will be provided to the relevant parties, which will enable them to submit their complaints and grievances in a timely manner, for their study and processing in accordance with the legal deadlines and procedures in force.
At the end of the meeting, the Governor of Sefrou Province reiterated that the smooth progression of all stages of the electoral process requires everyone's commitment to the law and the embodiment of vigilance, responsibility, and mutual respect, which will enhance confidence in institutions and consolidate the values of integrity, transparency, democratic practice, and the rule of law, serving the supreme interest of the nation and citizens.
