Introduction
The recent agreement between Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum, Senator Ricardo Monreal, and Adán Augusto López to revive the electoral reform proposal by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, first presented to Congress on April 28, 2022, has sparked curiosity and concern. This article aims to provide context and explore the potential implications of this decision.
The Proposed Electoral Reform
The reform seeks to replace the Federal Electoral Institute (INE) with a National Elections Institute, which would oversee federal, state, and local elections. Critics argue that this change would effectively silence minority voices by eliminating proportional representation for those who do not conform to the “revolution of consciousness” ideology.
Historical Context: The Evolution of the Guardia Nacional
Since its creation by former President López Obrador in 2016, the Guardia Nacional has undergone numerous transformations. The recent legislative changes approved by the House of Representatives grant the Guardia Nacional authorization for covert operations, which are similar to those provided by the law of March 26, 2019. This raises questions about whether these constant modifications have any adverse effects.
Constitutional Provisions and Military Participation in Politics
In 1981, President López Portillo faced a situation where a general questioned the constitutionality of military personnel running for political office. In response, then-Secretary of Defense Félix Galván López denied any military ambitions in politics. However, the 1986 amendment to the Army’s organic law allowed military personnel to seek elected positions, subject to certain penalties.
Additional Observations
- Financial Implications: Critics question whether short-sighted decisions to accommodate political pressures will negatively impact future governments’ finances.
- Journalist’s Murder in Puebla: The assassination of journalist Salomón Ordoñez in Puebla has raised concerns about the state government’s potential attempts to criminalize victims.
- Airport Fee Hike: Recent justifications for increased airport fees in Toluca, citing “national security,” have drawn skepticism.
- Political Reality vs. Rhetoric: Napoleon Bonaparte’s observation that “nothing goes well in a political system where words contradict actions” resonates with the ongoing debate.
Key Questions and Answers
- Question: What are the potential consequences of the proposed electoral reform?
- Question: How has the Guardia Nacional evolved since its creation?
- Question: Are there constitutional provisions allowing military personnel to participate in politics?
Answer: Critics argue that the reform could silence minority voices by eliminating proportional representation for those who do not conform to the “revolution of consciousness” ideology.
Answer: The Guardia Nacional has undergone numerous transformations since 2016, with recent legislative changes granting covert operation authorizations similar to those provided by the 2019 law.
Answer: The 1986 amendment to the Army’s organic law permits military personnel to seek elected positions, subject to certain penalties.
