CNDH AFFIRMS: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS WERE FREE, FAIR AND TRANSPARENT AND IRREGULARITIES REPORTED DIDN’T AFFECT THEIR CREDIBILITY

The (Moroccan) National Human Rights Council (CNDH) held a press conference on November 29, 2011 to present its preliminary report on the observation of the 25 November parliamentary elections.

The Council presented its preliminary report (electoral campaign, casting of ballots and announcement of results), the legal framework of parliamentary elections and the outcome of election observation in Morocco since 1997.

Chaired by CNDH president Mr. Driss El Yazami, this press conference was attended by CNDH Secretary General Mr. Mohammed Essabbar and Chairman of the Central Authority for Corruption Prevention Mr. Abdesselam ABOUDRAR, in addition to journalists from national and international news agencies.

Mr. El Yazami congratulated Moroccan citizens and political parties for the positive atmosphere of the elections and the final turnout.

Mr. Essabbar presented the outcome of CNDH observation, indicating that the analysis of 4687 forms related to the electoral campaign, use of public facilities and the conditions of the elections, filled by CNDH observers, showed that these elections were free, fair and transparent. Some irregularities were reported but didn’t affect the credibility of the process, he said.

Among the irregularities reported there is the use of public facilities and resources, distribution of gifts, donations, etc. to persuade the vote of citizens, verbal and physical violence, electoral posters removal, voting with identity documents other than the National Identity Card, non-verification of the identities of persons accompanying person with disabilities, entering mobile phones or other telecommunication tools to polling stations, non-application of indelible ink on voters’ fingers, distribution of posters and leaflets on the polling day, use of false news and rumors to persuade the vote, violence against members of the polling stations, etc.

The Council concluded that there is a sort of connection between electoral (frequency of disputes, complaints, irregularities) and social and economic vulnerability. Access to fundamental, economic, social and cultural rights has an impact on the practice of the right to vote, as a fundamental right.

Some polling stations were located 4000 m away from the population concerned, or more. Others were located in remote and hardly accessible areas. Besides, the number of women chairing polling station boards was insignificant (2% only).

On the other hand, CNDH reported, with satisfaction, the gradual appearance of offers that take the gender approach into consideration. Indeed, some programs included issues related to equality between men and women, children’s rights and the rights of the elderly and persons with disabilities.

The Council reiterated the recommendations it made following the observation of the 2007 parliamentary elections, the 2009 municipal elections and the 2011 constitutional referendum: facilitating electoral enrollment, guaranteeing participation of prisoners who are not deprived from the right to vote, hospitalized people, nomads, sailors, etc., reinforcing participation of women and the youth, providing accessibility for persons with disabilities, etc.

Mr. El Yazami highlighted the context within which the 2011 parliamentary elections were held: acceleration of political and institutional reforms and the adoption of a new constitution that reaffirms Morocco’s commitment to “protect and promote the human rights system and international humanitarian law, and contribute to their development, taking into account their indivisible, universal character”.

He reiterated that the Council is ready to cooperate with the new parliament, which shall be the only source of legislation, in order to further promote and protect human rights, reinforce the process that Morocco started in the 90s and implement the provisions of the constitutions in terms of human rights. We are ready to work with the government to implement the structural and strategic human rights-related projects, mainly the National Plan of Action on Democracy and Human Rights and the Citizenship Platform to Promote Human Rights Culture, and continue the implementation of the Equity and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations related to institutional and legislative reforms, mainly the rehabilitation of justice, promotion of good security governance, creation of institutions of participatory democracy, etc.