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 and referendums at the federal level. Established in 2014, it ensures free and fair elections by enforcing electoral laws, monitoring campaign activities, and resolving disputes.
The Acordeón Phenomenon
An emerging issue in Mexico’s judicial elections is the distribution of “acordeones,” which are voting guides favoring specific candidates. These materials, distributed during the “veda” or election silence period, have raised concerns as they may influence voters unfairly.
INE’s Stance on Acordeones
During a session of the INE’s General Council, President Guadalupe Taddei addressed the issue, stating that both the distribution of acordeones and calls to not vote are electoral crimes.
“The mass existence of these voting guides, voting instructions, or acordeones presents a challenge for the INE. Additionally, those who encourage or attempt to influence voting at polling stations, as well as those attempting to discourage voter participation, are committing electoral crimes,” Taddei emphasized.
INE’s Response to Acordeón Distribution
Following the approval of preventive measures to curb acordeón distribution, Taddei urged candidates and individuals involved in such activities to cease their efforts. She stressed that these actions do not benefit electoral processes and called for respecting voters’ autonomy.
“I invite those currently circulating or planning to distribute these acordeons to cease such actions, which do not benefit electoral processes. I also urge those insisting on abstaining from voting to remain silent and respect the will of those who will cast their ballots,” Taddei reiterated.
Novelty and Investigation
Taddei acknowledged that acordeones represent a novel phenomenon for the INE, both in campaigns and the veda period. While acceptable during the campaign phase, their distribution during the veda is considered electoral propaganda misuse.
The INE has committed to thoroughly review all reported cases with meticulousness and diligence. Although specific instances have not been confirmed, Taddei mentioned that two existing complaints allow them to inform the relevant authority for investigation.
Taddei also requested transparency regarding the number of dissociation letters received by the INE, stating that, as of her knowledge, 101 such letters had been submitted.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are acordeones? Acordeones are voting guides or instructions that favor specific candidates and are distributed during the election silence period, potentially influencing voters unfairly.
- Why are acordeones a concern for the INE? The INE considers acordeones to be electoral propaganda misused during the veda period, as they can unfairly influence voters.
- What actions has the INE taken regarding acordeones? The INE has warned against acordeón distribution and called it an electoral crime. They have also urged candidates and individuals involved to cease such activities.
- How many dissociation letters has the INE received? According to Taddei, the INE had received 101 dissociation letters as of her knowledge.
