فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Draft organic law No. 53.25, which amends and supplements organic law No. 27.11 related to the House of Representatives, has sparked controversy on social media platforms, especially due to Article 2. This article imposes prison sentences and fines for publishing or broadcasting “fake news or false facts” intended to harm voters or question the integrity of elections. The draft was presented to the Council of Government on Friday, October 24, 2025, as part of broader legislative reforms aimed at enhancing the integrity of the upcoming 2026 legislative elections, according to an official statement from the Ministry Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of Relations with Parliament.
Article 2 and Key Provisions
Article 2 stipulates prison sentences ranging from two to five years, and fines between 50,000 and 100,000 Moroccan dirhams, for anyone committing acts aimed at violating the privacy of voters or candidates, or defaming them, including:
- Broadcasting or distributing a composition of statements or images of a person without their consent.
- Publishing, broadcasting, transmitting, or distributing false news, claims, fake facts, or forged or manipulated documents.
This article is the first of its kind in Moroccan legislation explicitly covering digital platforms, social media networks, artificial intelligence tools, and any electronic applications or internet-based information systems. This legal recognition addresses emerging technological challenges such as the use of Deepfakes in election misinformation campaigns, reflecting increased awareness of the risks digital disinformation poses to democracy.
Social Media Debate
Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) witnessed intense discussions on the draft. Recent tweets focused on balancing the protection of the electoral process with freedom of expression. For instance, user @elouazanisabir tweeted on October 25, 2025, supporting the draft as a tool to “safeguard the democratic process from misinformation campaigns,” responding to critics like Fouad Abdelmomeni who called it “dictatorship,” asserting it targets systematic doubt, not freedom of expression. However, others expressed concern that the vague concept of “questioning election integrity” could suppress legitimate criticism or political analysis, showing division between supporters and opponents.
Supporters’ and Critics’ Views
- Supporters: See the draft as a necessary step to strengthen election credibility and ensure public trust in elected institutions. According to media reports, this amendment is part of a comprehensive battle against electoral corruption, including tougher penalties for vote-buying and violence, protecting voting freedom and preventing the negative influence of fake news on voters. Acknowledging artificial intelligence as a tool for disinformation is viewed as a progressive step aligned with international trends.
- Critics: Fear the draft threatens freedom of expression, citing ambiguous terms like “false facts” or “questioning integrity,” which may be broadly interpreted to include political opinion or journalistic investigation. Human rights advocates emphasize the need to clarify penalty standards to avoid abuses, while preserving citizens’ rights to criticize and hold accountable, per the constitution guaranteeing freedom of expression as a fundamental right.
Broader Legislative Context
Draft 53.25 is part of a series of electoral reforms approved by the Council of Government, including other organic laws related to political parties (No. 54.25) and the Constitutional Court, aiming to update the legal framework in harmony with the constitution and democratic governance requirements. The ministerial meeting discussing these drafts was chaired on Sunday, October 19, 2025, by King Mohammed VI, focusing on ensuring the integrity of the upcoming legislative polls and qualifying parliamentary institutions to efficiently represent citizens.
Table: Comparison of Main Opinions on the Draft
| Aspect | Supporters | Critics and Human Rights Advocates |
|---|---|---|
| Main Purpose | Protect elections from digital misinformation and corruption | Threat to freedom of expression due to vague terms |
| Covered Tools | Artificial intelligence and digital platforms: progressive step | Potential misuse to suppress political or journalistic criticism |
| Penalties | Necessary to enhance trust in institutions | Need clear application criteria to avoid abuse |
| Context | Part of comprehensive democratic governance reforms | Must align with constitution to protect basic rights |
Recommendations and Outlook
Human rights advocates stress clarifying legal penalty criteria, establishing independent oversight mechanisms to prevent abuses of free expression, and involving civil society and journalists in discussing the draft before the final parliamentary vote. With the 2026 legislative elections approaching, this amendment could enhance democratic process trust if implemented with balance, in line with royal directives emphasizing good governance.
Conclusion
Draft 53.25 marks a turning point in addressing digital challenges to elections but requires caution to maintain a balance between protection and freedoms. For developments, it is advisable to consult the official House of Representatives website or reliable media reports.
