Benalilou’s victory was resounding, securing 70 votes, far surpassing competitors from the United States of America and South Africa, who garnered 44 votes each, and New Zealand with 40 votes.

This historic achievement marks the first time a representative from Morocco assumes a leadership position within the IOI, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing influence on the global stage. The Office of the Mediator of the Kingdom emphasized that Benalilou’s election reaffirms Morocco’s esteemed position in international forums under the enlightened guidance of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.

Following his election, Benalilou becomes a member of the Bureau of the Council of the International Ombudsman Institute, further cementing Morocco’s role in shaping global governance policies.

The inauguration of the new members will coincide with the 13th World Conference in The Hague, Netherlands, commencing on May 12, 2024. This gathering of ombudsman institutions from around the world will set the stage for collaborative efforts towards enhancing governance practices and capacity building.

Established in 1978, the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) serves as the primary platform for over 200 member ombudsman institutions across six regions: Africa, Asia, Australia and the Pacific, Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America, and North America. The IOI’s mission focuses on promoting good governance through training, research, and regional grants to support impactful projects.