Rabat court annuls Abdelkbir Akhchichane's election to National Press Council

The Administrative Court in Rabat has annulled the election of Abdelkbir Akhchichane to the National Press Council as a representative for the professional journalists category. The ruling follows a legal challenge filed by candidate Amine El Khiari.

The court's decision was based on the finding that Akhchichane did not meet the legal requirements for candidacy, specifically regarding his status as a practicing journalist. The challenge noted that Akhchichane is retired, which conflicts with the criteria for this specific membership category. Additionally, the court identified formal and substantive flaws in the documentation provided to prove his professional status, noting that a certificate used to demonstrate cooperation with a media institution lacked a handwritten signature from the responsible director, relying instead on an office stamp, which lacks legal validity under Moroccan law.

As a result of this ruling, Akhchichane’s name will be removed from the Council, and the seats for the professional journalists category will be redistributed. Based on the election results from September 15, where Akhchichane received 437 votes, the seat is expected to be assigned to the next highest-ranking candidate, Amine El Khiari, who received 353 votes.