As Morocco's 2026 elections approach, the question of voting rights and representation for Moroccans living abroad is once again sparking debate. While there is broad agreement on the importance of including Moroccans around the world in the process, political parties have yet to agree on how to put this into practice. This is the main takeaway from ongoing consultations with the Ministry of the Interior on reforming the general electoral code. Will the reform of the general electoral code finally allow Moroccans living abroad to vote and be represented directly from their country of residence? That question remains open after the latest round of consultations between the Ministry of the Interior and political parties last Friday. While participation was addressed, no significant changes are planned in terms of parliamentary seats or electoral division. The debate now centers on how to enable direct participation of Moroccans residing abroad (MRE) in the upcoming elections. Options under discussion include simplified proxy voting or financial incentives for parties that place MRE candidates at the top of local lists. Even political parties' memorandums reveal some ambivalence. Direct participation through voting in the country of residence or representation on national lists is mentioned by parties such as PPS, USFP, PJD, Istiqlal, MP, FFD, FGD, PSU, and the Greens. But only the Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) openly supports voting from abroad through consular offices, similar to the 2011 constitutional referendum. Unanimity in principle, but hesitation in practice Salem Fkire, president and founder of the NGO Cap Sud MRE, highlights the gap between consensus in rhetoric and timid initiatives in practice. Since the 2011 Constitution, his association has signed agreements with four major parties, PPS, PJD, PAM, and Istiqlal, to promote direct political participation for Moroccans abroad. Their main proposal focuses on enforcing articles 16, 17, 18, and 163 of the Constitution by creating a dedicated MRE college within the Chamber of Advisors, or a new constituency representing the five continents, with representation proportional to the number of Moroccans abroad. «All political parties, across the spectrum, have always declared themselves in favor of direct voting and representation for MRE, even calling its absence illogical», says Fkire. «But this has rarely translated into concrete commitments, except for PPS, which has carried this issue point by point.» He adds: «I don't know which parties or individuals are blocking this, but PPS is the only one genuinely defending the cause. It's the only formation fully reflecting the interest MRE have in this issue». A recurring postponement Salah Eddine El Manouzi, of the Moroccan Civil Democratic Migration Council, also expressed frustration at seeing the issue of direct participation continually postponed. His organization had already highlighted these obstacles at a press conference in Rabat last April. «On the one hand, the Minister of the Interior says this is the responsibility of political parties since they vote on the electoral law. On the other, there has been a veto at every election cycle, in 2015, then again in 2021. Yet the Interior Ministry is sovereign, and the royal directives are clear», he told Yabiladi. El Manouzi also recounted his personal experience with party resistance. «I submitted a request to the USFP to run in the legislative elections in Casablanca-Anfa, a district where I grew up, where my family has roots and a strong network. There was even a financial incentive from the electoral law for MRE candidacy. Yet the party's leadership overlooked this to favor a notable», he said. According to his council, the problem lies in the lack of independence and political will within parties, with some leaders prioritizing personal interests and even claiming that Moroccans abroad want to take their place. «As consultations for the 2026 elections continue, reason must prevail. In his latest speech, the King warned against a Morocco moving at two speeds. We must not compromise on two-speed citizenship», El Manouzi insisted. For his part, Salem Fkire hopes that proposals on voting and representation for MRE will not become bargaining chips in broader political negotiations. «Since the 2011 Constitution, we are now approaching the fourth legislative elections. It's time to break this status quo», he said. Drawing inspiration from various models for an adapted implementation Salah Eddine El Manouzi argues that there is no «single model of parliamentary representation for nationals residing abroad». In addition to the nine points laid out in the memorandum submitted by the Moroccan Civil Democratic Migration Council to the Ministry of the Interior, he personally supports the idea of «creating a single overseas constituency with thirteen deputies». The association also recommends clear eligibility conditions to ensure proper representation: at least five years of effective residence abroad, candidates drawn from at least three continents and six countries, and incompatibility with holding an electoral mandate in the host country or a governmental post. El Manouzi stresses that Morocco can «draw inspiration from the experiences of France, Portugal, Tunisia, Senegal... to launch a second Moroccan experiment after the first». He reminds us: «Let's not forget that Morocco already held direct elections of deputies abroad in 1984». University professor and migration researcher Abdelkrim Belguendouz has also argued that this past experience should be seen as a resource for building improved mechanisms for voting and representation of MRE, adapted to Morocco's current institutional and political context. «In my opinion, some outdated arguments are still being recycled against this participation. We often hear that the 1984 experience was a failure across the board. I do not share that view. I believe it was a lesson that can help us avoid the same pitfalls», he insists. Back then, MRE were represented through five overseas constituencies: Paris, Lyon (covering the rest of France), Brussels (for Belgium, the Benelux and the former USSR), Madrid (for Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Americas, and Africa), and Tunis (for Tunisia and the Arab region). «The negative assessment of this process is tied to multiple factors, especially organizational ones. It is now up to the organizers to learn from those lessons and improve the system», Belguendouz explains. He adds that the five deputies elected in 1984 should not be dismissed as ineffective. «A harsh judgment is often passed on their record, but in fact they played an important role in para-parliamentary work, liaising with ministries, raising awareness, and participating in delegations. They helped mature long-term ideas such as the one-stop shop and the creation of a delegated ministry». According to Belguendouz, these examples provide important avenues for reflection within today's political context. «We don't eliminate constituencies just because their representatives were criticized, just as we don't abolish executive power because of its shortcomings. Instead, we change profiles and prioritize competence», he argues. Above all, Belguendouz emphasizes «the need to maintain the link with the nation and the homeland». He recalls that «King Mohammed VI has repeatedly raised the question of belonging to the nation in his speeches. This strategic vision must guide not only the reform of MRE representative institutions but also a broader vision where democratic and political inclusion play a central role».
