With just over a year to go before the 2026 legislative elections, the issue of participation by Moroccans living abroad (MRE) is back in the spotlight. Nadia Bzendfa, an MP for the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), asked the Interior Minister what practical steps the ministry is planning to ensure that Moroccans living around the world can effectively take part in the elections, both as voters and candidates from their host countries. She also reminded that Article 17 of the Constitution guarantees Moroccans abroad «full citizenship rights, including the right to vote and to run for office. They can stand as candidates on local, regional, and national electoral lists». Back in March 2021, a large majority of MPs rejected an amendment from the Istiqlal Party that would have allowed Moroccans abroad to participate directly in the September 2021 legislative elections. The vote was clear: 244 against, 8 abstentions, and only 18 in favor, all from Istiqlal. The Justice and Development Party (PJD), PAM, the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), and the Popular Movement (MP) notably opposed the political participation of Moroccans living abroad.
