Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Relevance
Claudia Sheinbaum is the current Head of Government (equivalent to Mayor) of Mexico City, serving since 2018. Previously, she was the Secretary of Environment, Urban Development, and Housing (SEDEUR) from 2012 to 2018. As a prominent figure in Mexican politics, her decisions and statements often draw attention and scrutiny.
The Complaint Against Sheinbaum
Diputados from the National Action Party (PAN) filed a complaint against Sheinbaum with the Federal Electoral Power Judicial Tribunal (TEPJF) for alleged misuse of public resources, defamation, and violation of principles like impartiality, legality, certainty, and neutrality during morning press conferences on October 20 and 27.
The PAN accused Sheinbaum of engaging in political-electoral propaganda by disparaging opposition parties, making defamatory remarks, or employing a strategy to influence voter intent against that political party.
TEPJF’s Decision
The TEPJF Superior Chamber dismissed the complaint, stating that the PAN’s grievances were unfounded and insufficient to alter the administrative authority’s decision. The tribunal argued that Sheinbaum’s opinions were related to matters of general interest and originated from journalists’ questions.
Internet Voting Viability Questioned
The Electoral Organization Commission of the National Electoral Institute (INE) expressed concerns about implementing internet voting, citing potential high costs.
However, the commission hinted at analyzing a pilot test in Coahuila elections, particularly for advance voting by people with disabilities and primary caregivers.
“The response was negative due to the legal impossibility, as there is no legal disposition regulating internet voting nationwide. Additionally, there are material and temporal challenges. Consequently, the Tribunal instructed the Executive Director of Electoral Organization and relevant areas to analyze the feasibility for Mexican citizens residing in the national territory to cast their votes via internet in upcoming electoral processes, similar to Mexican citizens abroad exercising their right to vote,” the commission stated regarding the INE General Council’s response on this matter.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the complaint against Claudia Sheinbaum? The PAN accused Sheinbaum of misusing public resources, defaming opposition parties, and violating principles like impartiality during morning press conferences in October 2021.
- What was the TEPJF’s decision? The tribunal dismissed the complaint, stating that Sheinbaum’s opinions were related to matters of general interest and originated from journalists’ questions.
- What concerns does the INE have regarding internet voting? The INE’s Electoral Organization Commission is concerned about potential high costs and material/temporal challenges associated with implementing internet voting nationwide.
- What is the INE’s plan for testing internet voting? The commission plans to analyze a pilot test in Coahuila elections, focusing on advance voting for people with disabilities and primary caregivers.
