Experts Advocate for Financial Public Funding Reduction, Not Elimination of Proportional Representatives
Eduardo Huchim and Fernando Dworak, both specialists in electoral matters and Congress, have expressed their opinions on the upcoming electoral reform in Mexico. They emphasize that any meaningful reform should focus on reducing public funding for political parties rather than eliminating proportional representatives in the federal House of Representatives and Senate.
Huchim’s Perspective
Huchim, a former council member and president of the Fiscalization Commission of the Mexico City Electoral Institute, stated: “Money has not served to improve political parties; it has only fostered groups of public funding leeches. Reducing public funding is necessary, almost at any cost.”
Dworak’s Perspective
Dworak, a specialist in legislative matters and political consultant, echoed Huchim’s view: “The upcoming reform must include reducing public funding for political parties and implementing strict controls on all types of funds. This includes anti-money laundering measures, increased banking oversight, and tighter controls on income and expenses.”
Key Concerns in the Proposed Reform
The experts highlighted that while rationalizing electoral spending is crucial, it should not involve reducing salaries. Instead, they suggested scrutinizing expenses on electoral materials and documentation, as a small group of accredited companies currently dominates this market, driving up costs.
Public Funding and Its Challenges
Both Huchim and Dworak pointed out the difficulties in defending public funding against reduction, especially since it has been linked to a growing population base since 2007. They noted that while parties receive public funds annually, transparency in their use has been lacking.
Unaccreditable Funds and Clientelism
Dworak expressed concern about the influx of unaccreditable funds, particularly in cash, to political campaigns. He suggested that for every publicly-funded peso received by parties, some individuals might mobilize up to four additional unaccreditable resources through clientelistic networks and business connections. He also pointed out that the electoral authority struggles to monitor expenses while having limited oversight of income.
Importance of Plurinominal Representatives
Huchim acknowledged the bad reputation surrounding plurinominal representatives, often perceived as favoring relatives of party leaders. However, he also recognized their value in bringing specialized expertise to Congress, representing various currents in Mexico’s diverse society.
Dworak’s Proposal for Mixed System
Dworak supports a mixed system for the composition of the House of Representatives but remains uncertain about the Senate, subject to reforms. He proposed increasing representation thresholds for parties to access public funds and seats, requiring 3% and 4%, respectively.
Potential Impact on Morena’s Allies
Huchim and Dworak warned that Morena might face opposition from its allies, the PT and PVEM, due to potential disadvantages resulting from these reforms. Without their votes, the amendment is unlikely to pass.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the experts’ main concerns regarding electoral reform? Both Huchim and Dworak emphasize the need to reduce public funding for political parties while preserving proportional representation in Congress.
- What specific areas should the electoral reform focus on? The experts suggest rationalizing electoral spending, implementing stricter financial controls, and addressing the challenges posed by public funding.
- Why are plurinominal representatives important? These representatives, despite their bad reputation, contribute specialized expertise to Congress and ensure diverse perspectives in Mexico’s pluralistic society.
- What proposals do the experts put forward for the mixed electoral system? Dworak suggests increasing representation thresholds for parties to access public funds and seats, requiring 3% and 4%, respectively.
- How might the proposed reform affect Morena’s allies? Huchim and Dworak warn that Morena could face opposition from its allies, the PT and PVEM, due to potential disadvantages, making the amendment’s passage uncertain without their votes.
