Introduction
A group of five electoral council members, supporting Arturo Castillo’s proposal not to validate the election of Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation ministers, has three members whose terms will expire in eleven months. By constitutional design, the renewal of the Plenum of the General Council is staggered. However, if the ruling majority implements the electoral reform proposed by the federal executive, a complete turnover could occur.
Background on Key Figures and Their Relevance
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, has criticized the council’s excesses. Ricardo Monreal Ávila, leader of the Morena bloc in the Chamber of Deputies, is reportedly among those advocating for a complete change in the integration of the “horseshoe of democracy.”
Monreal Ávila described the INE’s actions as “partial, extravagant, and capricious.” He estimated that the presidential initiative would reach committees within three months and undergo deliberation. The reform electoral, which failed during the López Obrador era, must be materialized before year-end.
Staggered Renewal and Potential Total Overhaul
The option of a complete renewal of the General Council, though radical, is not far-fetched. The bloc of council members opposed to the Fourth Transformation will exit gradually or all at once, depending on what the Legislature decides.
With only a week left in the extraordinary session, legislators will go on vacation for two months. The initiative will receive attention when the LXVI Federal Legislature resumes in September, potentially becoming a priority bill.
Delays in the Judicial Renewal Process
Twenty-five days have passed since the extraordinary election to renew the Judicial Power, and electoral council members have yet to finalize the democratic process validation. There is still no certainty regarding valid votes or winning candidates due to methodological failures by the INE in verifying aspirants’ eligibility.
After reviewing candidates’ resumes, the fiscalization of campaign expenses and verification of other eligibility requirements, including the “8 out of 8,” will follow. The Tribunal Electoral of the Federal Judicial Power faces a race against time to resolve these impugnations.
Sheinbaum’s Electoral Reform and Austerity Measures
President Claudia Sheinbaum had previously announced her intention to promote debate on political competition rules (points 10 and 11) among her 100 commitments upon assuming the presidency.
The non-reelection in popularly elected positions has already been sanctioned in the Legislature and will take effect until 2030.
Sheinbaum’s electoral system reform, driven from the National Palace, will be contingent on republican austerity. Instead of merely reducing party political privileges, she aims to further decrease the resources allocated by the INE for organizing electoral processes and other substantial tasks, such as compiling voter lists and issuing photo ID voter credentials.
Digital Transformation and Its Implications
Before the electoral reform, part of the dilemma will be resolved during this extraordinary legislative session. The creation of a Unique Citizen Identity Card incorporating biometric data, facilitated by the Digital Transformation Agency, will effectively render the Federal Register of Voters obsolete.
The reduction of congressional seats and chairs, previously planned during the preceding administration, remains unaddressed. Meanwhile, the digitalization of voting booths continues to be an open question.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current situation with Mexico’s electoral council renewal? A group of five council members, supporting Arturo Castillo’s proposal, has three members whose terms will expire in eleven months. The renewal process faces delays due to methodological failures by the INE.
- Who are the key figures involved, and why are they relevant? Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, and Ricardo Monreal Ávila, leader of the Morena bloc in the Chamber of Deputies, are advocating for changes in the integration of democratic institutions.
- What is the potential outcome of the ongoing electoral reform? A complete overhaul of the General Council is possible if the ruling majority implements the proposed electoral reform, reducing resources for the INE and promoting digital transformation.
- When can we expect resolutions to these issues? Some resolutions may come during the extraordinary legislative session, while others, like the digitalization of voting booths, remain unaddressed.
