Sheinbaum is pushing for Electoral Reform: cuts to the INE and parties in her sights

President Claudia Sheinbaum announces a new electoral reform. Learn about the proposed changes and why they seek to reduce the power of council members.

President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on June 25 that she will present an electoral reform proposal, arguing that INE advisors have "overstepped their bounds." The initiative would seek cuts to funding for the institute and political parties.

Mexico City.- Mexico's political landscape is preparing for a new legislative battle. President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo formally announced that her government will push for electoral reform, one of the most controversial and anticipated proposals in her platform. The justification, in her own words, is the need to put a stop to what she considers an "overreach" of functions by some advisors at the National Electoral Institute (INE).

The announcement, made during his morning press conference, revives one of the hallmarks of the previous administration and promises to generate intense debate about the future of Mexican democracy, the role of electoral referees, and political financing.

The Origin of the Conflict: "Advisors with Political Positions"

President Sheinbaum was direct in stating the reason for the reform. She accused a group of INE councilors of not acting impartially and of having a "clear political position" against her movement. The trigger, according to her statements, was the debate within the INE over the annulment of voting booths in the last Judicial Branch election, a power that, according to the president, belongs exclusively to the Electoral Tribunal.

"There is a group of advisors who are not acting in a way that fulfills the will of the people, which is ultimately what democracy is... The INE overstepped its bounds." – Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, President of Mexico.

This perception of a biased referee is the ruling party's central argument to justify a profound restructuring of the electoral system.

Key Points of the Proposal: What Would Change?

Although the fine details of the initiative have yet to be presented, the president's statements and previous analyses point to several central axes that it inherits from previous proposals:

* Cuts to Funding for the INE and Political Parties: One of the pillars of the reform would be a drastic reduction in the budget allocated to both the INE and political parties, under the guise of "republican austerity."

* Reduction of Plurinominal Legislators: The idea of ​​eliminating or significantly reducing the number of proportional representation (plurinominal) deputies and senators would be revived, which could drastically change the composition of Congress.

* Transformation of the INE: Previous proposals have considered transforming the INE into an "Electoral and Consultation Institute," with a different method for electing councilors than the current one, possibly by popular vote.

* Elimination of Legislative Reelection: The possibility of eliminating consecutive reelection for deputies and senators has been raised, a measure that, according to its proponents, seeks to avoid "perpetuation in power."

The Debate: Austerity or Consolidation of Power?

The proposal is already generating reactions and anticipating a polarized debate. While the government and its allies, such as Senator Ricardo Monreal, argue that electoral reforms are common practice after each presidential election, the opposition and analysts see significant risks.

The main concern, expressed in debates over similar reforms, is that the elimination of plurinominal elections and the cut in opposition funding are not acts of austerity, but rather a strategy to consolidate a hegemonic party and reduce the space for political plurality. Proportional representation, its proponents argue, was a key mechanism in Mexico's democratic transition to ensure that minorities had a voice in Congress.

The Straight Talk: The Impact on Democracy

Beyond the political dispute, the proposed changes would have direct consequences for the country's democratic system:

* The Electoral Referee: The way in which INE councilors are elected and the powers they have define confidence in the election results.

* Political Representation: The existence of multi-member legislators ensures that a party's percentage of votes is more accurately reflected in the number of seats it holds. Their elimination could lead to a party with a relative majority of votes obtaining an absolute majority in Congress.

* Political Competition: Public funding for parties seeks to create a more level playing field in competition. Drastically reducing it could leave opposition parties at a significant disadvantage compared to the ruling party.

In Summary: The Key Facts

* President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she will promote electoral reform.

* Accuses INE advisors of "overstepping their bounds" and having political bias.

* The proposal would include budget cuts for the INE and the political parties.

* The elimination of multi-member legislators could be resumed.

* The opposition warns of the risk of consolidating a hegemonic party and damaging plurality.