As part of the preparations for Morocco’s legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026, the High Authority for Audiovisual Communication (HACA) has adopted a regulatory decision aimed at safeguarding political pluralism, media neutrality, and the integrity of public debate throughout the electoral period.
The decision establishes a 39-day electoral period running from August 15 to September 22, 2026, including a 26-day pre-campaign phase and a 13-day official campaign period from September 10 to September 22. It sets out clear rules governing access by political parties and candidates to audiovisual media services, ensuring fair and balanced coverage.
The regulatory framework seeks to strengthen transparency and fairness in the electoral process while protecting citizens’ right to receive reliable, objective, and diverse information. It also reinforces respect for human dignity, candidates’ privacy, and Morocco’s constitutional values, while prohibiting hate speech, racism, and incitement to violence.
To prevent indirect influence on public opinion, the decision requires a strict separation between electoral content and entertainment, cultural, or recreational programming. It also bans disguised political advertising and requires journalists or media hosts who are candidates or publicly affiliated with political parties to withdraw from on-air activities during the electoral period.
Recognizing the growing impact of artificial intelligence, HACA formally prohibits the dissemination of manipulated or AI-generated electoral content intended to mislead the public or undermine democratic debate. Any AI-generated content used for educational or explanatory purposes must be clearly and permanently identified.
The decision further emphasizes diversity and inclusion by encouraging equal representation of women, youth, Moroccans living abroad, and persons with disabilities in electoral programming. Broadcasters are required to make electoral content accessible through sign language interpretation, subtitles, and audio descriptions whenever appropriate.
To ensure effective implementation, HACA will establish a Monitoring and Support Committee and maintain continuous oversight throughout the electoral period. The Supreme Council for Audiovisual Communication will remain in open session to address any violations related to pluralism, fairness, neutrality, or the integrity of electoral information.
