Background on the Issue
In recent developments, election advisors from various states have emphasized the necessity of preserving Local Public Entities (OPLEs) amidst a potential electoral reform. Their concern stems from the fact that the National Institute of Electoral Affairs (INE) lacks the necessary resources to manage all elections conducted across the country.
The Role of OPLEs
Christian Uziel García Reyes, a member of the Hidalgo OPLE council, highlighted that if OPLEs were to disappear and local elections fell under the INE’s jurisdiction, the latter would need to significantly increase its human, material, and financial resources in every state. This is because the INE’s current design does not allow for simultaneous organization of the 32 local and federal elections.
García Reyes further explained that for over a decade, OPLEs have played a crucial role in organizing approximately 8,540 federal and local elections without any post-electoral conflicts. This model has ensured democratic conditions and political stability for more than a decade.
Arguments Against INE Takeover
García Reyes challenged the notion that transferring local election organization to the INE would result in cost savings. He argued that more resources would be needed, and the INE would have to incorporate 332 councils, 1,571 municipal councils, and 638 local district councils if OPLEs were eliminated.
Proposals for Electoral Reform
Claudia Alejandra Vargas Bautista, the Jalisco council member and Red Cívica President, presented a decalogue to support the construction of an efficient and effective electoral reform. Key proposals include:
- Allocating sufficient budget for civic education programs and projects
- Mandating state and federal educational authorities to incorporate content generated by electoral authorities, promoting democratic values from an early age
- Encouraging technology use to create civic education content across various networks and platforms
- Promoting collaboration between government bodies and electoral authorities to foster public interest in civic matters
Support for OPLEs from RENACEDI
Luis Eduardo Gutiérrez Ruiz, the Chihuahua council member and RENACEDI president, echoed the importance of OPLEs in Mexico’s electoral system. He noted that these institutions have strengthened the democratic regime for 30 years through innovative and effective processes, regulations, schemes, and campaigns that have facilitated peaceful power transitions.
Gutiérrez Ruiz also stressed that Mexico’s democracy must evolve, but never at the expense of what has been built. He asserted that technical evidence from OPLEs demonstrates their substantial benefits for the optimal functioning of Mexico’s electoral system.
Next Steps
These and other proposals will be fully submitted by the INE to the Presidential Commission for Electoral Reform and the Legislative Power.
