2026 elections: what Moroccans abroad must do now to be able to vote

In short

Legislative elections are expected in Morocco during 2026. The Constitution guarantees Moroccans abroad the right to vote, but exercising it requires preparing in advance. Here is what is possible today and the steps to anticipate.

• •The law: Article 17 of the 2011 Constitution recognizes MRE's right to vote and to stand for election.
• •What exists today: an MRE can register on the electoral rolls attached to a municipality in Morocco, through their consulate, then vote in person on election day or by proxy.
• •What does not exist yet: there are no polling stations in consulates and no dedicated constituencies for MRE abroad. The Interior Minister reiterated that MRE can vote and run for office like any citizen.
• •To do now: check your national ID, register on the rolls at the consulate, and identify a proxy holder if you plan to vote by proxy.

What the law says

Since the 2011 Constitution, its Article 17 recognizes Moroccans living abroad as full citizens, including the right to vote and the right to stand for election, at local, regional and national levels. The right therefore exists. It is its exercise from abroad that requires a few steps.

What is possible today

Under current electoral law, an MRE who wants to vote must:

• •Be registered on the general electoral rolls, attached to a municipality in Morocco. Registration is done through the consulate, which forwards the request to the Ministry of Interior.
• •Vote in person in Morocco on election day, or by proxy if unable to travel.

Proxy voting is done in favor of a registered voter, via a form available at the consulate, and a proxy holder can hold only one proxy.

The 4 actions to take now

1. •Check your national ID (CNIE). Without a valid national ID, registration is impossible. If it has expired, renew it at the consulate as a priority.
2. •Register on the electoral rolls at your consulate. Registration usually opens at the end of the year preceding the vote. Ask your consulate for the exact dates.
3. •Do not confuse consular registration with electoral registration. Being registered with the consulate is not enough, electoral roll registration is a separate step.
4. •If you plan to vote by proxy, identify a trusted proxy holder early, registered at the same polling station as you in Morocco.

What does not exist yet

To be clear about expectations: there are, to date, no polling stations open in consulates and embassies for the legislative elections, nor dedicated electoral constituencies for MRE abroad. The question of direct representation of the diaspora in Parliament is under discussion. For the record, in 2021, a scenario increasing the House of Representatives from 395 to 425 seats, with 30 seats dedicated to MRE, was studied but not adopted.

Frequently asked questions

Can an MRE vote in the 2026 elections?

Yes, provided they are registered on the electoral rolls attached to a municipality in Morocco, through their consulate. Voting then takes place in person in Morocco or by proxy.

How do I register on the electoral rolls from abroad?

Through your consulate, which forwards the request to the Ministry of Interior. You need a valid national ID and proof of residence. Registration usually opens at the end of the year preceding the vote.

Can I vote from my country of residence?

To date, there are no polling stations abroad for the legislative elections. Remote options are limited to proxy voting, or traveling to Morocco on election day.

Can an MRE run as a candidate?

Yes, the Constitution recognizes the right to stand for election. In practice, candidacy takes place in a constituency in Morocco.

What is the first thing to check?

Your national ID (CNIE). Without a valid national ID, you can neither register nor vote. If it has expired, renew it at the consulate as a priority.

Sources

• •Moroccan Constitution of 2011, Article 17
• •Interior Minister's statements on MRE electoral participation: Hespress
• •Registration and proxy procedures: consular network, Ministry of Interior
• •2021 scenario (House of Representatives from 395 to 425 seats, 30 MRE seats): Le360, Jeune Afrique, quid.ma

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