Background on the Revocation of Mandate in Oaxaca
In Oaxaca, a unique revocation of mandate process is underway, except for the support from the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the Green Party of Mexico (PVEM). The process was initiated following a recent reform to Article 25 of the Constitution, which was sanctioned just three months ago in the local Congress. This reform allows for citizen participation through a revocation of mandate mechanism, rather than an ordinary electoral process.
Parties’ Reactions to the Revocation of Mandate
Movement of National Regeneration (Morena), Pan’s National Action Party (PAN), Citizen Movement (MC), and the Party of the Democratic Center (PT) initially challenged the constitutionality of this reform. Later, PAN, MC, and Morena rejected an agreement by the Institutional Electoral Body (IEPC) that marked the beginning of organizing this unprecedented process.
Tribunal Electoral’s Decision
The Electoral Tribunal deemed these claims unfounded and established a criterion that could extend to other federal entities: the revocation of mandate is a mechanism for citizen participation, not an ordinary electoral process. The Tribunal also clarified the requirements for initiating a revocation of mandate consultation, stating that at least 10% of registered voters must request it.
Details of the Revocation Process
With approximately 3.86 million registered voters and 570 municipios, the Tribunal Electoral had to adjust agreements made by the administrative authority. During the first phase, 3,188 requests were filed to act as promoters of the consultation; 3,019 were verified and validated. Signature collection took place from November 1 to 30, using physical formats and an authorized INE application.
Promoters had three months to submit their requests. Thirty-one of the 36 applicants presented documents on December 1; four did so on December 5, and the last one on December 10. Only 30 requests were deemed valid by the electoral consejeros, satisfying the requirement with 518,979 verified and valid signatures—16.81% of the total registered voters across 569 municipios.
Campaign and Voting
After the holiday break, a four-week campaign ensued, concluding on January 22, 2026. Voters will find the following question on their ballots: “Do you agree that Salomón Jara Cruz, the Constitutional Governor of Oaxaca, should have his mandate revoked due to loss of confidence or continue in office until the end of his term?”
Role of the Institutional Electoral Body and Voting Threshold
The Oaxaca State Electoral and Citizen Participation Council’s mandate is to organize elections swiftly and tally votes. The legislation passed nine months ago stipulates that Jara’s mandate revocation would only be valid with an absolute majority.
At least 40% of Oaxaca’s voters must cast their ballots within a month for the result, should it favor “No,” to be considered binding. Ultimately, the Tribunal Electoral’s declaration of validity holds the final say.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the revocation of mandate process in Oaxaca? It’s a citizen participation mechanism established by a recent constitutional reform, allowing voters to decide whether to revoke the governor’s mandate due to loss of confidence.
- Which political parties supported the revocation process? Only the PRI and PVEM backed it; other major parties like PAN, MC, Morena, and PT challenged its constitutionality or rejected the IEPC’s agreement to organize it.
- What percentage of registered voters must participate for the revocation to be considered valid? At least 40% of Oaxaca’s registered voters must cast their ballots within a month for the result to be considered binding.
- What is the threshold for revoking Governor Salomón Jara’s mandate? An absolute majority is required, meaning more than 50% of the votes cast must be in favor of revoking his mandate.
