The (Moroccan) National Human Rights Council (CNDH) observed the 1st of July constitutional referendum, in accordance with article 25 of its creating law (Dahir dated march 1st, 2011), which entitles the Council to carry out election observation.

In this third observation experience, the Council was encouraged by many factors: (1) the fact that the provisions of article 25 strongly link observation to the promotion of democracy, (2) human rights and freedom principles, as universally recognized, entrenched in the Constitution, particularly freedom of expression and fairness/transparency of elections, and (3) the accumulation achieved through the two observation experiences of the former Advisory Council on Human Rights in the 2007 legislative elections and the 2009 municipal elections.

In this new observation experience the Council faced many constraints: uncompleted structure, limited time frame and limited human resources. It opted for a qualitative approach. A mechanism was created and provided with the necessary financial and human resources. All appropriate measures required by the observation were taken.

In accordance with article 21 of its creating law, the Council also coordinated civil society observation, which included 184 observers in 493 polling stations, in 36 provinces and prefectures.

CNDH observation aimed to ensure an objective, impartial and fair assessment of the constitutional referendum, during the campaign, at the polling stations, during the counting of votes and the announcement of results. There were other partial objectives: enhancing trust and citizenship, encouraging participation, observing respect for citizens’ will, choice, rights and freedom, and observing the application of the law.