Introduction to the Proposal by INE and Relevant Organizations
The Mexican National Electoral Institute (INE), under the leadership of its president, councilor Guadalupe Taddei Zavala, delivered a set of 12 proposals to the Presidential Commission for Electoral Reform, headed by Pablo Gómez. These proposals were crafted by various civil organizations, academics, and local electoral council members for the drafting of an electoral reform initiative to be submitted to Congress.
Support for Local Election Offices (OPLE)
Taddei Zavala, accompanied by representatives from civil organizations and electoral council members across the nation, emphasized the Commission’s willingness to listen to diverse voices interested in the electoral reform process. She highlighted the crucial role of the 32 Organismos Públicos Locales Electorales (OPLE) and their importance in the reform process.
The Significance of OPLE
Among the key proposals, several organizations have advocated for maintaining OPLE and their role in organizing state elections. They warn that dissolving OPLE and centralizing their tasks under the INE could weaken the country’s electoral system. Moreover, they question whether the INE has adequate resources to manage all elections conducted nationwide.
The National Association of Election Transparency Auditors of Mexican Electoral Institutes pointed out that after the elimination of the National Institute of Transparency, Access to Information and Protection of Personal Data (INAI) and the 32 local transparency institutes, OPLE’s Internal Organs would now handle information requests related to political party spending without increasing their resources or structure.
They also questioned potential savings from OPLE’s dissolution, stating that if they were to be extinguished and administrative simplification proposed, the INE would not be able to meet all democratic demands required by the country, such as judicial elections.
Additional Proposals
Besides maintaining OPLE, other proposals focus on allocating sufficient budgets for both the INE and OPLE. They also advocate for safeguarding plurinominal legislators and promoting a new financing scheme for them.
Parties’ Financial Equity
Representatives from local political parties proposed reviewing their prerogatives, as they claim to be at a disadvantage compared to national parties. They requested updating the public funding local parties receive in federal entities to ensure equity and recognize “the diversity and circumstances that distinguish national political parties from local ones.”
Fiscalization Rules and Legislators’ Preservation
Another proposal from these representatives called for reviewing fiscalization rules and ensuring a voice in the General Council while preserving plurinominal seats.
INE’s Ongoing Initiative
Taddei Zavala reiterated that the INE’s proposal is still under development, aiming for consensus among other council members. The submission to the Presidential Commission for Electoral Reform is scheduled for January 12.
The INE acted only as an intermediary in the proposal collection process from organizations and local electoral bodies, gathering diverse viewpoints for the reform initiative.
