Background on the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE)
The Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) is Mexico’s independent, autonomous electoral body responsible for organizing and supervising elections at the federal level. Established in 2014, it replaced the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) to ensure free, fair, and transparent elections.
The “Accordion” Scheme Investigation
In a recent development, the INE has requested the Fiscalía Especializada de Delitos Electorales (FISEL) to investigate cases related to the illegal distribution of campaign materials, known as “acordeones,” during the upcoming judicial election.
Two Denunciations Triggered the Investigation
- Nuevo León Functionaries: The first denunciation involves public servants from Nuevo León allegedly distributing “acordeones” to influence voting in favor of certain candidates.
- Servidores de la Nación in Álvaro Obregón, Mexico City: The second denunciation reports Servidores de la Nación (federal public servants) distributing “acordeones” in the Álvaro Obregón borough of Mexico City, indicating how to vote in the upcoming judicial election.
INE’s Role and Concerns
Through the Unidad Técnica de lo Contencioso Electoral (UTCE), INE informed FISEL about these potential electoral crimes. Consejera Claudia Zavala acknowledged the complexity of this election, emphasizing that citizens should prepare to vote independently without external influence.
Consejera Norma Irene De La Cruz warned that these “acordeones” could be construed as coercion to influence voting. She also noted that systematic and printed distribution implies costs, which will be part of a future fiscalization investigation.
Next Steps and Implications
The two denunciations will be reviewed by the Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación (TEPJF) to determine their validity and implications.
INE is currently conducting preliminary investigations into these denunciations to gather evidence about the circumstances surrounding these alleged crimes. The organization aims to ensure free and fair judicial elections by addressing any attempts at voter manipulation.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are “acordeones”? “Acordeones” refer to campaign materials that allegedly instruct voters on how to cast their ballots in a specific manner, potentially influencing the outcome of an election.
- Why is INE investigating these cases? INE is investigating to ensure free and fair judicial elections by addressing any attempts at voter manipulation or coercion.
- What is the significance of these investigations? These investigations aim to maintain electoral integrity, protect voters’ autonomy, and uphold the principles of free and fair elections in Mexico.
