Background on the Institutional Relevance of INE
The National Electoral Institute (INE) is Mexico’s independent body responsible for organizing and supervising elections at the federal level. Its role is crucial in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections, which are fundamental for a healthy democracy.
The “8 of 8” Mechanism: A Closer Look
On April 25, INE approved a new mechanism called “8 of 8” to investigate suspicious candidacies in the judicial election. This decision was made with 8 votes in favor and 3 against, including the dissenting vote from INE’s president, Guadalupe Taddei. The mechanism aims to verify the eligibility requirements of judicial candidates and, if necessary, cancel the registration of those with a firm court conviction for gender-based violence (known as “8 of 8”), alimony debt, or those who are fugitives from justice.
Constitutional Basis for the Mechanism
According to the Mexican Constitution, electoral rights can be suspended for individuals with a firm court conviction for intentionally committing crimes against life and physical integrity, personal liberty and sexual security, or for psychosexual development. Additionally, convictions for family violence, equatable or domestic violence, sexual intimacy violation, and political violence against women due to gender are also grounds for disqualification.
Citizen Participation and Societal Civil Organizations
Given the extensive number of candidates (over 3,442) competing for federal judge, magistrate, or minister positions, INE lacks the time and financial resources to individually review each candidacy. Consequently, the institute has opted for a citizen-driven approach, relying on societal civil organizations and the public to denounce suspicious cases. INE will then conduct investigations based on these reports.
Launch of the Denunciation Platform
To facilitate this process, INE will launch a dedicated denunciation space on its judicial election microsite starting April 25. Citizens can use this platform to submit reports on any suspicious candidacies.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the “8 of 8” mechanism? It’s a new process by INE to investigate and, if necessary, disqualify judicial candidates with firm court convictions for gender-based violence, alimony debt, or being fugitives from justice.
- Why was this mechanism created? Due to the large number of candidates and limited resources, INE relies on citizen participation and civil organizations to denounce suspicious cases.
- What types of convictions disqualify candidates? Candidates with firm court convictions for gender-based violence, alimony debt, or fugitive status from justice are subject to disqualification under this mechanism.
- How can citizens participate in the process? Citizens can report suspicious candidacies through INE’s dedicated denunciation platform on the judicial election microsite, launched on April 25.
