Moroccan Politicians Fall Short on Asset Declaration Requirements

Friday 22 December 2023 - 13:50

A newly released report analyzing asset declarations in Morocco has found that the vast majority of elected officials failed to fulfill their legal obligation to disclose personal financial holdings. Between January 1st and October 31st of this year, only 193 out of 515 total members of parliament submitted the required declarations.

The analysis shows that just 141 representatives in the Chamber of Representatives and 52 members of the Chamber of Counselors complied with the rule, amounting to only 193 total. These numbers are cause for concern when viewed in the context of the overall membership of each chamber: 395 in the Chamber of Representatives and 120 in the Chamber of Counselors.

In total for the period under review, the report logged 11,565 asset declarations. The vast bulk, numbering 10,892 or 94% came from public officials and civil servants. The remaining 673 statements, just 6% of the total, came from other categories including politicians and judges. Of note, 390 declarations originated from members of the financial courts, while representatives and counselors accounted for 141 and 52 respectively.

Other public figures who met the obligation included 12 from the Constitutional Court, 33 from the government and its cabinet chiefs, as well as 26 from the Competition Council and 9 from the Audiovisual Communications High Authority. A mere two declarations came from the Superior Council for Education, Training and Scientific Research and one each from the Economic, Social and Environmental Council and the National Human Rights Council.

The low participation rates amongst elected leaders underscore the need for stronger enforcement of transparency requirements meant to uphold integrity in public office and maintain citizen trust.