Background on the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE)
The Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) is Mexico’s independent, autonomous electoral body responsible for organizing and supervising elections at the federal level. Established in 2014, INE ensures free and fair elections by overseeing political parties, candidates, and electoral processes.
The Controversy: Digital “Accordions” and Prohibited Voting Propaganda
A recent controversy has emerged regarding the use of digital “accordions” on the webpage vota.sireson.com. These digital tools provide specific numbers and candidate positions for voters in the upcoming judicial election on June 1, 2025. The Comisión de Quejas y Denuncias (Complaints and Allegations Commission) of INE deemed this type of online propaganda as inappropriate and potentially influencing voters.
The Complaint
A complaint was filed against the vota.sireson.com webpage, alleging that the publication of these digital “accordions” constitutes unlawful campaigning and voter manipulation. The Comisión de Quejas y Denuncias investigated the matter and determined that such actions are strictly prohibited during the “vea” period and electoral day.
INE’s Decision
In a unanimous decision, the Comisión de Quejas y Denuncias ordered the immediate removal of all related content from vota.sireson.com. The order extends to any other publications that may suggest or encourage voting for specific candidates, as this is strictly forbidden during the electoral process.
Additional Measures by INE
Beyond the digital “accordions” controversy, INE’s Comisión de Quejas y Denuncias addressed other concerns:
- Unlawful Internet Space Contracts: INE took action against the alleged improper contracting of online spaces in favor of a candidate for Magistrate of the Tribunal de Disciplina Judicial (TDJ).
- Illegal Campaign Posters: The Commission also ordered the removal of campaign posters in Mexico City, which were deemed to potentially violate electoral regulations.
Secretary of Mexicanos en el Exterior’s Role
To address the poster issue, INE linked the Secretary of Mexicanos en el Exterior (Mexicans Abroad) of Morena to request the elimination of these posters from relevant authorities in Mexico City within one day.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are digital “accordions”? Digital “accordions” are online tools that provide specific numbers and candidate positions for voters in an election.
- Why were these digital “accordions” controversial? These tools were deemed inappropriate and potentially influencing voters, which is prohibited during the electoral process.
- What other measures did INE take? INE also addressed concerns regarding unlawful internet space contracts and illegal campaign posters, ordering their removal.
- What is the role of the Secretary of Mexicanos en el Exterior? The Secretary was linked to request the elimination of campaign posters in Mexico City from relevant authorities.
