Experts Emphasize the Importance of a Comprehensive Assessment Before Implementing Electoral Changes
Mexico requires an electoral reform, but a proper diagnosis of the Mexican democracy is necessary to identify what needs changing and what should remain, according to specialists consulted by this newspaper.
Current Law and the Need for Change
The existing law, dating back to 2014, has withstood four federal elections (in 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2024), and it’s evident that changes are needed to promote democracy in various aspects, such as coalitions, overrepresentation, and the use of new technologies like preliminary election results programs, electronic voting machines, and other mechanisms to improve efficiency in electoral processes.
Experts’ Concerns Regarding Rushed Reforms
Luis Carlos Ugalde, former president of the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) from 2003 to 2007, warns that if the federal government presents an electoral reform initiative and it is approved within two weeks, similar to previous attempts in this and the preceding legislature, it will pose significant risks to Mexico’s democratic future.
He suggests that a deep diagnosis of Mexico’s democratic ailments, followed by widespread deliberation on potential cures, will lead to a beneficial reform. However, he notes that the government’s preferred method seems to be a “fast-track” process without proper diagnosis, reflection, or long-term analysis.
Broad Participation is Essential for Electoral Reform
Luis Carlos Ugalde believes that electoral reform should not solely involve the opinions of political parties represented in the Chamber of Deputies. Instead, a diverse group of people, organizations, experts, government officials, and voters should participate in the discussion.
He recommends involving political parties, INE experts, international experts, business rights organizations, media, guilds, and the general public in shaping electoral reform.
“Democracy affects us all,” Ugalde emphasizes. “Unlike economic competition laws or telecommunications regulations, which only impact specific sectors, democracy encompasses the entire society. Therefore, a broad deliberation is necessary to create a solid electoral reform.”
Pluralism: A Cornerstone of Democracy
Ugalde highlights that pluralism is a fundamental characteristic of democracy, and one of its central purposes should be to ensure it in the national political landscape. This led to the transition to democracy in Mexico during the 1970s, promoting pluralism and enabling the creation of proportional representation seats and the left’s presence in Congress by 1979.
He stresses the importance of defending proportional representation, despite public disfavor towards “plurinominal” (proportional representation) deputies, as it is a necessary figure. Ensuring fair elections and preventing the misuse of social programs for electoral gains are crucial to reviving pluralism, which has weakened in recent times.
Impartial Authorities: A Prerequisite for Fair Elections
Arturo Sánchez Gutiérrez points out that impartial arbiters are essential for fair elections; otherwise, there can be no level playing field.
He notes that both the INE and the Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación (TEPJF) have been perceived as being captured by the government. He stresses that with such authorities, there will be no trust in the elections’ integrity and credibility.
Sánchez Gutiérrez insists on the necessity of broad participation in shaping both the INE and TEPJF to ensure credible and functional institutions for future fair elections.
Electoral System Reform: A Political Discussion
Sánchez Gutiérés explains that the discussion on proportional representation among legislators is not strictly electoral but rather part of a political reform, as it involves party characteristics, prerogatives, INE features, and election characteristics.
While some believe the majority-relative and proportional representation system should prevail, others, including the president, disagree. This is a political debate involving all Mexicans, as it determines how they will be represented, similar to the judicial reform that altered an important aspect of Mexico’s state structure.
Eliminating proportional representation, he argues, is an undemocratic move as it excludes minor parties from representation given a minimal national presence. This issue is under discussion, and open debate is crucial.
Ugalde also emphasizes that accountability of parties, specifically the fiscalization of their expenses, should be part of electoral reform. He is concerned that the coalition system might stop functioning or be misused to create artificial majorities violating the constitution.
In conclusion, both experts agree that rushing electoral reform without proper diagnosis and broad participation risks weakening Mexico’s democracy. They stress that a comprehensive approach, involving all stakeholders and addressing critical aspects like party accountability and fair representation, is essential for a robust and credible electoral system.
