Mexico’s modified electoral system come into force
2023.03.02 12:31
Mexico’s modified electoral system come into force
By Ray Johnson
Budrigannews.com – On Thursday, a controversial change to the body that oversees Mexico’s elections went into effect. The change was supported by the country’s president, but critics saw it as an attempt to weaken the electoral referee before important elections next year.
On Sunday, tens of thousands protested the changes that reorganize the National Electoral Institute (INE) by cutting its budget, firing employees, and closing its offices.
The changes, according to President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, will save $150 million annually and lessen the influence of business interests in politics.
Lopez Obrador stated at a regular news conference on Thursday that “the electoral law that is being challenged does not at all affect the functioning of the INE.”
The president continued, “Those who came to march don’t even know what it consists of.”
Prior to the 2023 presidential election, opposition lawmakers and other critics claim that the reform weakens democracy. They have stated that they will challenge the constitutionality of the reform in court.
On Wednesday, the final approval of the reform was granted by Mexico’s Senate, which is dominated by Lopez Obrador’s National Regeneration Party (Morena) and its allies.
The reform has sparked measured criticism from Washington, calling for a “well-resourced, independent electoral system and respect for judicial independence” despite being less ambitious than the original plan.
