Background and Context
The municipality of Pantelhó, Chiapas, has faced a security and governance crisis for decades due to territorial disputes, armed groups, marginalization, and poverty. These factors have directly impacted the political-electoral rights of its population and prevented democratically elected authorities from governing the municipality.
Current Situation and Proposed Resolution
Magistrate Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón has proposed a resolution to the Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial (TEPJF) for extraordinary elections in Pantelhó this year, should conditions permit. The proposal aims to address the limitations imposed by designating a Municipal Council for three years, which restricts the right to vote and periodic elections.
The resolution also mandates various authorities to implement measures for pacification and security, ensuring the political-electoral rights of Pantelhó’s population both immediately and in the future. The magistrate emphasizes that ordering elections without accompanying measures, such as dialogue tables, a pacification strategy, and respect for the indigenous community’s self-determination, would be insufficient.
“In a context where ordinary and extraordinary elections have not been possible, the State cannot indefinitely postpone voting. It has the obligation to guarantee periodic elections under secure conditions,” states the proposal.
Historical Background
- The municipality of Pantelhó, Chiapas, has struggled with a security and governance crisis for decades due to territorial disputes, armed groups, marginalization, and poverty.
- These factors have directly affected the political-electoral rights of its population and prevented democratically elected authorities from governing the municipality.
- In May 2024, the INE determined that there were no security conditions to install 28 polling stations for the electoral process. Consequently, the local electoral authority decided not to hold the election and informed the state Congress of this situation.
- Despite calling for extraordinary elections in August, the INE reiterated that security risks persisted. In response, the state Congress issued Decree 467, designating a fixed-term Municipal Council (2024-2027).
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the current issue in Pantelhó, Chiapas? The municipality has faced a security and governance crisis for decades, affecting its population’s political-electoral rights and preventing democratically elected authorities from governing.
- What is Magistrate Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón’s proposal? He proposes extraordinary elections in Pantelhó this year, provided conditions allow, and mandates authorities to implement measures for pacification and security.
- Why is the current Municipal Council term of three years a concern? It restricts the right to vote and periodic elections, which is considered an unjust limitation.
- What risks does the INE highlight regarding elections in Pantelhó? The INE has identified persistent security risks that prevent the installation of polling stations and holding of elections.
