Morocco: Law on public access to information enters into force

A landmark Moroccan law guaranteeing public access to information entered into force this Thursday. The move is a major forward step enhancing the country’s democratic transition, good governance and transparency.

Under the new law stipulated in the Constitution of 2011, public authorities, courts, public administrations or private establishments offering public service… are obliged to publish in their web sites the maximum of data about their activities.

Members of the public are also entitled to request information from public authorities.
This law, which was approved by government in 2018, comes finally into force after a two-year transition period and marathon inclusive debates among all components of society, MPs, decision-makers…

Article 27 of the Moroccan Constitution states that “citizens have the right to access information held by the public administration, elected institutions, and public service bodies.”

In 2018, Morocco joined “Open Government Partnership” (OGP), a global initiative seeking to make governments more open, accountable, and responsive to citizens.

OGP gathers over 70 governments, representing one third of the world’s population. Its members pledge to guarantee public access to information, asset declarations of public officials, fiscal transparency and citizen engagement.