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 and local levels. Established in 2014, INE ensures free and fair elections by enforcing electoral laws, monitoring campaign activities, and resolving disputes.
The Issue: “Accordion” Schemes
During election periods, INE has identified a concerning trend: the distribution of “acordeones” – documents containing candidate identification data that subtly encourage voters to support specific political forces. These materials are often spread without clear identification of the individuals or groups responsible for their creation and dissemination.
Why INE is Taking Action
As the judicial election approaches on June 1, INE aims to prevent potential violations of voters’ rights and maintain electoral principles such as impartiality, equity, and neutrality. The INE project for a cautelary measure acknowledges the uncertainty regarding the specific individuals, organizations, or government entities behind these “acordeones.” However, to avoid irreparable breaches of constitutional rights and principles during the election period, INE seeks to issue a preventive cautelary measure.
Current Status and Candidate Responses
The INE document warns about the unlawful creation and distribution of these “acordeones,” which are evidently electoral propaganda. Despite this, the responsible parties remain unidentified at the time of the proposed Acuerdo’s approval.
On the other hand, numerous candidates have distanced themselves from these materials through written statements. Some even express concern about the negative impact these “acordeones” may have on their campaigns, as they might be associated with certain political forces without their consent.
Election Campaigns Conclude
With over 7,773 candidates vying for positions in the upcoming judicial election – local or federal – campaigns concluded this Wednesday ahead of the vote on Sunday.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are “acordeones” in the context of Mexican elections? Acordeones are documents circulating during election periods that contain candidate identification data, subtly encouraging voters to support specific political forces.
- Why is INE taking action against these “acordeones”? INE aims to prevent potential violations of voters’ rights and maintain electoral principles such as impartiality, equity, and neutrality during the upcoming judicial election.
- Who is responsible for creating and distributing these “acordeones”? Despite INE’s efforts, the individuals or groups behind these materials remain unidentified.
- How have candidates responded to these “acordeones”? Many candidates have distanced themselves from these materials through written statements, expressing concern about potential negative impacts on their campaigns.
- When is the upcoming judicial election in Mexico? The judicial election will take place on June 1, 2023.
