Background on the Controversy
The Mexican electoral body, the National Electoral Institute (INE), has decided not to cancel the registration of 26 candidates for the 2025 judicial elections, despite concerns about their suitability. These candidates have been flagged due to issues such as lack of good reputation or allegations of sexual abuse, violence, or criminal activities that tarnish their records.
INE’s Stance on Candidate Cancellations
According to INE council members Dania Ravel, Claudia Zavala, and Arturo Castillo, the INE does not have the authority to remove candidates, especially during campaign periods. They emphasized that, as per Article 96 of the Constitution and relevant laws, it is the evaluation committees of each federal power that should review the suitability and eligibility of candidates for the federal judiciary.
Key Council Members’ Statements
- Dania Ravel: “We aim to clarify the cancellation requests, but the INE cannot take on responsibilities that are not ours. The responsibility for verifying these candidates’ suitability lay with the Evaluation Committees of each federal power.”
- Claudia Zavala: “The INE does not have the authority to review eligibility requirements; it is the task of the Evaluation Committees of each federal power.”
- Arturo Castillo: “In accordance with Article 96 of the Constitution and relevant laws, it is the evaluation committees of each federal power that should review the suitability and eligibility of candidates for the federal judiciary.”
INE-Approved Candidate Cancellations
Despite the decision not to cancel the 26 controversial candidates, the INE did approve the cancellation of 17 candidacies for the Local Extraordinary Election Process (PEEPJF) 2024-2025.
The reasons for these cancellations include incompatibility with holding multiple elected positions (eight cases) or voluntary resignation (nine cases), along with the procedures for addressing candidate resignations.
List of Cancellations Due to Incompatibility
Renuncias presentadas por incompatibilidad.
The following are the expressed resignations from PEEPJF 2024-2025 due to incompatibility:
Renuncias expresas.
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: Why did the INE reject canceling 26 candidates?
- Question: Which candidate cancellations were approved by the INE?
Answer: INE council members Dania Ravel, Claudia Zavala, and Arturo Castillo stated that the INE does not have the authority to remove candidates, especially during campaign periods. They emphasized that it is the evaluation committees of each federal power responsible for reviewing candidates’ suitability and eligibility.
Answer: The INE approved the cancellation of 17 candidacies for the Local Extraordinary Election Process (PEEPJF) 2024-2025 due to incompatibility with holding multiple elected positions or voluntary resignation.
