FAQ

  1. Q : Is independent and impartial election observation governed by law in Morocco?

    A: Yes. Election observation is governed by Law # 30-11 on the terms and conditions of independent and impartial election observation, dated 29 September 2011. The law defines independent and impartial election observation. It also defines the bodies that can be authorized to observe elections, the terms and conditions for the accreditation of election observers, the mandate, structure and functioning of the Special Commission for the Accreditation of Election Observers, and election observers’ rights and obligations.

  2. Q : As an individual, can I apply for accreditation to observe the elections?

    A : No. Individuals cannot directly apply for accreditation. Observers must be proposed by organizations entitled by Law 30-11 to observe elections

  3. Q : I am the legal representative of an organization. Am I automatically accredited to observe elections, when the organization I represent receives accreditation?

    A : No. The Special Commission for the Accreditation of Election Observers receives, examines and decides on accreditation based on the information provided in the accreditation applications, including the list of proposed observers.
    For a legal representative of an organization to be accredited to observe elections, his/her name must be included in the list of proposed observers and meets the legal terms and conditions.

  4. Q : Are there any documents applying organizations and observers should read before applying for accreditation?

    A : Yes. Organizations and observers wishing to apply for accreditation to observe elections, independently and impartially, should carefully read the following documents:

    • The Observation Charter;
    • Law # 30-11 on the terms and conditions of independent and impartial election observation;
    • Legislations and regulations governing and related to the elections they wish to observe.
  5. Q : What are the documents and information to apply for accreditation?

    A : 

    For Moroccan NGOs:

    • Statutes/Articles of association;
    • The minutes of the last general assembly;
    • Summary of major relevant activities in the areas of election observation, promotion of human rights and promotion of citizenship values and democracy;
    • List of proposed observers, established according to the provided form.

    For national institutions:

    • Founding law;
    • Summary of major relevant activities in the areas of election observation, promotion of human rights and promotion of citizenship values and democracy
    • List of proposed observers, established according to the provided form.

    For Foreign NGOs:

    • Statutes/Articles of association;
    • The minutes of the last general assembly;
    • Summary of major relevant activities in the areas of election observation, promotion of human rights and promotion of citizenship values and democracy
    • List of proposed observers, established according to the provided form.
  6. Q :Is there a limit on the number of observers organizations can propose?

    A: No. The law does not specify any minimum or maximum number of observers to be proposed by organizations for accreditation.

  7. Q : In what conditions the Special Accreditation Commission can refuse an organization’s application?

    A : Accreditation applications may be refused:

    • If the organization wishing to carry out independent and impartial election observation is not eligible under Law # 30-11 to observe elections (eligible bodies: national institutions mandated by law to observe elections, civil society organizations active in the area of human rights and the promotion of the values of citizenship and democracy, legally established and operating in accordance with their statutes/articles of association; and international non-governmental organizations interested in election observation);
    • If the organization is applying for accreditation after the deadline set in the call for accreditation applications (30 of July 2015);
    • If the organization fails to submit the required documents with its application (statutes/articles of association, minutes of the last general assembly, summary of major relevant activities in the areas of election observation, promotion of human rights and promotion of citizenship values and democracy, and list of proposed observers, established according to the provided form).
  8. Q :Can an accreditation be withdrawn, and when?

    A : Yes. The Special Accreditation Commission can decide to withdraw an observer’s accreditation if the observer breaches the provisions of Article 17 of Law # 30-11. It then withdraws the observer’s accreditation card and badge.

    The Commission can receive minutes, communications and statements relating to the violations specified in Law # 30-11 and in the Observation Charter, by all possible means.

    The Commission can withdraw an observer’s accreditation and bring his/her observation to an end or, if need be, decide to immediately withdraw the accreditation of an organization, in such cases.

    The decision to withdraw an observer’s accreditation is notified to his/her organization. The organization is then alerted to the need to ensure that its observers comply with the Observation Charter. If the observer keeps violating Article 17 of the law or when other observers of the same accredited organization violates its provisions, the organization’s accreditation can immediately be withdrawn by the Commission.

    The decision to withdraw an organization’s accreditation is notified to the organization’s legal representative.

    The Commission’s decision to withdraw observation cards and badges from observer(s) and accreditation from an organization is notified to the competent government authorities for implementation.

     

  9. Q : How does the Special Accreditation Commission work (procedure)?

    A: The Special Accreditation Commission is convened by its Chairman on a periodic basis and meets at the headquarters of the National Human Rights Council in Rabat on a specific agenda. The agenda of its meetings is notified to the members of the Commission by all available means, indicating the date and venue of the meeting. The Commission convenes at least 24 hours after the date of notification.

    A quorum of at least half of the members is necessary for the meetings of the Commission. If the quorum is not met, a second invitation is sent to the members. The second meeting will be held regardless of the number of attending members.

    The Commission takes its decisions by the absolute majority of its attending members. In the case of a tie, the Chairman of the Commission will have the casting vote.

  10. Q : What is the deadline to submit accreditation applications for the 2015 election observation?

    A: The deadline set by the Special Accreditation Commission to receive accreditation applications is Thursday 30th of July 2015 at 4:30 p.m. GMT (15:30 p.m. Daylight Saving Time).

  11. Q : Is there a deadline to receive the Special Accreditation Commission’s accreditation decisions?

    A: Yes. The Special Commission for the Accreditation of Election Observers will decide on duly submitted accreditation applications and notify its decision to the applicants no later than Monday 10th of August 2015.