Background on Pantelhó, Chiapas and its Political Climate
Pantelhó, a municipality in the Mexican state of Chiapas, has been unable to hold elections for over three years due to escalating violence. The Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial (TEPJF), Mexico’s highest electoral body, has now stepped in to ensure that the residents of Pantelhó can exercise their democratic rights.
Who is Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón?
Magistrado Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón, a member of the TEPJF, proposed the plan to conduct extraordinary elections in Pantelhó. His proposal was unanimously approved by the TEPJF plenary session, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action.
TEPJF’s Ruling and its Implications
The TEPJF ordered the Chiapas Congress to convocate extraordinary elections in Pantelhó by the end of 2025, ensuring a secure environment for voting. Additionally, they mandated the creation of a Security Electoral Mechanism and a Plan Integral de Pacificación y Seguridad (Integral Plan for Pacification and Security) to restore conditions necessary for a fair election.
- Congressional Obligation: The Chiapas Congress must call for extraordinary elections in Pantelhó by the end of 2025.
- Security Measures: A Security Electoral Mechanism must be established to ensure a safe voting environment.
- Integral Plan for Pacification and Security: Authorities from all three levels of government must collaborate to design and implement this plan, focusing on restoring conditions for the election.
- Reconciliation Efforts: A Mesa de Diálogo y Construcción de Paz (Dialogue and Peace Building Table) will be established, integrating traditional authorities, community representatives, and government officials to promote reconciliation in the community from 2025 to 2027.
Context and Challenges in Pantelhó
Pantelhó has faced significant social, political, and security challenges for over two decades. In 2021, the situation worsened due to armed group confrontations over political and territorial control. These conditions have prevented elected officials from carrying out their duties regularly since 2021.
Magistrado Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón emphasized that, despite existing structural issues, the primary goal is to propose a path towards democratic reconstruction and human security in Pantelhó. He stressed that voting and being voted rights are only fully guaranteed when there are genuine, effective conditions of peace, freedom, security, and citizen participation.
