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Court of Audit Uncovers Misuse of Over $2 Million in Public Funds by Moroccan Political Parties
Morocco's Court of Audit, an independent public spending watchdog, has released a revealing report shedding light on the financial practices of the country's political parties.
The report meticulously examined the funding sources, expenditures, and adherence to legal obligations of these parties, providing valuable insights into their financial health.
A significant finding was the notable increase in state support, comprising 53% of total financing in 2022 compared to the previous year. This rise occurred at the expense of parties' own resources, such as membership fees and donations, which understandably diminished in a non-election year.
However, the report also brought to light troubling issues. Sixteen parties were found ineligible for annual public funding due to their failure to meet legal requirements.
Of greater concern was the revelation that $2.6 million in public funds were unjustifiably allocated to 18 parties. These funds were either categorized as "undue" support, spent on unauthorized purposes, or lacked proper documentation.
Encouragingly, 22 parties had already returned a total of $3.7 million in unjustified allocations.
Documentation deficiencies were widespread, particularly in management costs and research/mission expenses receiving public support. Approximately 26% of declared spending lacked sufficient paperwork, with unsupported management fees being the primary culprit.
While there was a modest increase in electronic filing and the use of accountants for certifications, five parties failed to submit any accounts, eight missed deadlines, and four omitted mandatory accountant reports.
As demands for political transparency escalate, continued oversight is imperative to ensure that taxpayer money allocated to parties is used appropriately and accounted for. The Court's recommendations aim to bolster accountability, an essential component for the responsible management of public funds in Moroccan democracy.