Morocco’s Minister of Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq has instructed imams, prayer leaders and muezzins to abstain from political activity ahead of parliamentary elections scheduled for Sept. 23, 2026, according to a ministry circular reported by local media.
The directive was sent to staff at the ministry’s central, regional and provincial offices and serves as a reminder of legal provisions governing religious personnel, newspaper Al Ahdath Al Maghribia reported on Monday.
According to the report, the circular prohibits imams, preachers, muezzins and other religious officials from engaging in political or trade union activities or publicly expressing political positions while carrying out their duties in mosques and affiliated institutions.
The move comes as political parties prepare for the campaign ahead of the legislative vote.
Mosques must remain neutral spaces dedicated to religious worship and preserving the spiritual unity of Muslims, the newspaper reported citing the ministry.
The circular also warns against any activity that could be interpreted as support for a political party, candidate or union, including forms of publicity or campaigning.
Under the ministry’s rules, religious officials wishing to run for elected office must submit a formal request at least two months before the election. Such a request would be treated as a resignation from their religious post, according to the report.
Moroccan electoral laws prohibit the use of places of worship for campaigning and ban the use of religious symbols in election propaganda.
