Morocco’s national press council announces new journalist and publisher representatives

Wednesday 16 September 2026 - 16:09

The provisional commission overseeing Morocco’s National Press Council (CNP) has announced the final results of the election of professional journalists and confirmed the seven publishers selected to join the new body.

The announcement, made on Wednesday, September 16, follows the vote held the previous day across polling stations in Morocco. The results represent a key step toward completing the institutional setup of the restructured press council.

Nearly half of eligible journalists cast their ballots

According to the final figures released by the provisional commission, 3,421 professional journalists were registered on the definitive electoral rolls. A total of 1,681 journalists participated in the September 15 vote, producing a national turnout of 49.14%.

Of the ballots counted, 1,529 were deemed valid, while 152 were declared invalid. The commission reported no disputed ballots.

Following the consolidation and verification of voting records from the different regions, seven journalists were declared elected to represent the profession on the new CNP.

Hanane Rihab received the largest number of votes, with 703. She was followed by Abdellah Bakkali with 481 votes and Abdelhak El Azimi with 455.

The remaining elected representatives are El Kebir Khchichine, who obtained 437 votes; Mounia Archi, with 281; Nadia Hassissou, with 257; and Aziza Ghoulam, with 253 votes.

Seven publishers selected for the new council

The commission also approved the seven representatives designated for the publishers’ category.

The list comprises Bahia Amrani, Souad Mekkaoui, El Mehdi Allabouch, Aziz Daki, Driss Chahtane, Mokhtar Laghzioui and Khalid El Hariry.

Their designation followed an examination of the submitted files and supporting documents to establish compliance with the legal requirements governing representation within the council. The procedure is based on the framework established by Law 09.26 on the reorganization of the CNP, alongside the legislation governing the press and publishing sector.

A step toward the council’s formal installation

The latest announcements bring the electoral and designation phase of the CNP’s reconstitution closer to completion.

The provisional commission said the voting process and its supervision were conducted in accordance with the applicable legal and regulatory provisions. It also highlighted the role of polling-station presidents, judicial officers and other personnel involved in overseeing the operation.

The next stage concerns the remaining legal and institutional procedures required before the council’s structures can be formally installed and begin exercising their statutory responsibilities.

The election comes as Morocco implements a revised framework for the organization of the National Press Council. A regulatory decision adopted in August set out the conditions and procedures for candidates representing professional journalists and for the participation of publishers in the selection process.