Democratic Path Party faces crackdown over Morocco election boycott campaign

Members of the Democratic Path Party in Morocco are facing legal scrutiny and restrictions following their campaign to boycott the legislative elections scheduled for September 23, 2026.

In Beni Mellal, four party members were brought for questioning by the Royal Gendarmerie after distributing leaflets calling for a boycott. This led to a solidarity protest by party supporters in front of the regional command headquarters demanding their release. While the members were not formally detained, they were subjected to legal questioning and the drafting of official reports under the supervision of the public prosecution.

In Casablanca, security forces reportedly intervened in the Bernoussi district to prevent the distribution of similar materials, citing verbal instructions from authorities. The Democratic Path Party leadership, including Secretary-General Jamal Berradj, has condemned these actions as a crackdown on political expression and a violation of constitutional rights. Party officials argued that while participating parties are permitted to campaign freely, those choosing to boycott are being met with suppression and confiscation of their political stance.