Yassine Damiri lashes out against ‘irregularities’ in the National Press Council elections

Serious accusations haunt the backstage of the National Press Council elections

In a move to expose what he describes as “dishonest practices,” journalist Yassine Damiri, an independent candidate for the National Press Council, has ignited a broad controversy within the Moroccan media sector. Damiri asserts that the current electoral campaign is witnessing irregularities that threaten the integrity of the vote and the freedom of choice of journalists.

“Pressure and intimidation”: A scenario threatening electoral transparency

Damiri explained in a statement to professionals that several journalists have been subjected to pressure, reaching the point of being asked to “photograph their ballot paper” as proof of loyalty to a specific list, with threats of dire consequences for non-compliance. He noted that these practices do not reflect the spirit of democratic competition, but reveal entities attempting to dominate the professional institution by manipulating voter intent.

Commitment to transparency and professional development

As part of his electoral program, Damiri reiterated his pledge to waive all financial compensation received by Council members, allocating them entirely to support journalists’ associations and youth initiatives. He emphasized that the goal of this step is to uphold the principle of “participatory work,” with a full commitment to publishing financial documents to ensure absolute transparency for all professionals.

Reformist vision: A branch for the Council in the Southern Provinces

Moving beyond electoral friction, Damiri proposed a structural initiative aligned with national dynamics, suggesting the creation of a branch of the National Press Council in Laâyoune. This step aims to bring the administration closer to journalists in the southern provinces, simplify administrative procedures, and strengthen the institutional presence of the Council across the Kingdom.

A call to conscience before the ballot box

Damiri concluded his statement with an explicit call to journalists to let their consciences guide them in the vote scheduled for September 15. He stressed that these elections are not just a passing event, but a historic opportunity for journalists to affirm that the National Press Council must remain an institution for all professionals, not a tool to serve narrow agendas or specific groups.