Morocco Judicial Elections to Follow New Ethical Charter

Morocco's Supreme Council of the Judicial Power has established an ethical charter with judicial professional associations to govern the election of judicial representatives for the council's third term (2027-2031). The charter, signed on July 16, 2026, is designed to ensure the integrity and transparency of the election, which is scheduled for October 17.

The agreement stems from consultations aimed at reinforcing the ethical framework for the electoral process and setting clear rules for impartiality, neutrality, and equal opportunity among candidates. This initiative seeks to bolster confidence in the professional election. Seven professional associations, including the Hassanian Association of Judges and the Moroccan Judges Club, have signed the charter.

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The signing of the charter came as a result of a series of consultations that the council held with the professional associations of judges within a participatory approach aimed at consolidating the ethical reference framework governing the electoral process, and establishing clear rules that guarantee respect for the principles of integrity, impartiality, and transparency and equal opportunities among all candidates, which enhances confidence in this professional election.

The charter mandates that these associations refrain from nominating or supporting any candidate. It also prohibits members of their governing bodies from accompanying candidates during their court visits for campaigning. Furthermore, the associations commit to disseminating the charter's contents, promoting adherence to judicial ethics, and providing the election monitoring committee with relevant observations to ensure the election's smooth and proper conduct.

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The charter obliges the signatories, whose presidents signed the charter, to refrain from presenting any candidate in their name or supporting them by any means, and prohibits members of their administrative bodies from accompanying candidates during their travels and visits to courts dedicated to introducing themselves to the electoral body.

This development follows the recent issuance of election regulations by the Supreme Council, which detail the timeline. Candidacies will be accepted from September 1 to 7, followed by a campaign period from September 25 to October 16. Voting will occur on October 17 across 24 polling stations located in courts of appeal, with results announced immediately after vote counts are received.

New measures include extending the candidate introduction period to 22 days and providing standardized digital communication tools. These tools encompass publishing informational materials on the council's online platform, recording video messages, and organizing virtual debates. Special communication groups for candidates will also be established to ensure equality and prevent practices that undermine fair competition. The Council emphasized the importance of judicial ethics, independence, and impartiality, urging candidates to sign a personal ethical charter upon submitting their applications.

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The success of the elections remains dependent on all judges bearing in mind judicial ethics and the values of independence, detachment, and impartiality.