Moroccan leftist party demands break with corruption ahead of 2026 elections

The Federation of the Democratic Left , FGD, called on Wednesday for a break with what it described as the widespread corruption that marred Morocco’s 2021 legislative elections, urging reforms to place the country on the path of “genuine democracy.”

 Speaking at a press conference in Casablanca, party secretary-general Abdeslam El Aziz denounced the “open distribution of money” and the buying and selling of votes that he said occurred inside polling stations during the last election.

According to El Aziz , the 2021 polls were tainted not only by massive vote buying but also by the involvement of state officials who directed voters and abused their authority. 

He asserted that responsibility for undermining electoral integrity is shared among political parties, which nominated corrupt figures including drug traffickers, citizens who accepted bribes, and the Interior Ministry, which he accused of complicity.

 El Aziz  cited allegations made by a jailed lawmaker who had accused a senior Interior Ministry official in Fez of wrongdoing.

The FGD leader stressed that restoring credibility to the 2026 legislative elections requires investigating these allegations and ending impunity. 

He emphasized that combating corruption, clientelism, and economic crimes is essential to protecting governance institutions from attempts to weaken them.

In a memorandum submitted to the Interior Ministry on electoral reforms, the party argued that genuine reform begins with improving the political climate as a condition for rebuilding trust. It also demanded the release of all political prisoners and prisoners of conscience, including Hirak al-Rif detainees, journalists, bloggers, and activists, while calling for an end to prosecutions based on “vague charges.” 

The party further urged authorities to heed the demands of social movements and adopt urgent measures to protect citizens’ purchasing power amid rising living costs.