Background on the Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE)
The Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) is Mexico’s autonomous electoral body responsible for organizing and overseeing elections at the federal level. Established in 2014, it succeeded the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) and plays a crucial role in ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections.
Recent Resignations
Two high-ranking officials from the INE have recently resigned from their key positions. Miguel Ángel Patiño Arroyo, the executive director of Organizational Electoral, and María Elena Cornejo, the director of Capacity Building and Electoral Education, have both stepped down. Their departures come just weeks before the judicial elections and despite their extensive experience with the INE, including during Lorenzo Córdova’s presidency.
Details of Resignations
- Miguel Ángel Patiño Arroyo: He will leave his post on July 15 and return to the National Electoral Professional Service.
- María Elena Cornejo: She requested her voluntary retirement from the Directorship, initiating her pre-retirement process.
Appointments by Consejera Presidenta Guadalupe Taddei Zavala
Following these resignations, INE’s consejera presidenta Guadalupe Taddei Zavala appointed two of her close associates to these critical positions. These new appointments oversee the organization and execution of elections across Mexico.
New Appointees
- Roberto Carlos Félix López: He was appointed as the new executive director of Organizational Electoral. Previously, he served as the interim head of the National Electoral Professional Service’s Office and Technical Secretary of the Temporary Commission for the Extraordinary Electoral Process to elect various judicial positions.
- Jorge Egrén Moreno Troncoso: He was named the new titular of the National Electoral Professional Service. Currently, he holds the position as Director of Time Administration in Radio and Television within the Executive Directorate of Prerogatives and Political Parties.
Unilateral Appointment Power
It’s important to note that these appointments were only communicated to the Consejo General members. Following the judicial reform, the INE president now has the authority to unilaterally designate heads of areas without requiring a vote from the other 10 INE consejeros.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the resigning officials? Miguel Ángel Patiño Arroyo, the executive director of Organizational Electoral, and María Elena Cornejo, the director of Capacity Building and Electoral Education.
- When will they leave their positions? Miguel Ángel Patiño Arroyo will depart on July 15.
- Who are the new appointees? Roberto Carlos Félix López and Jorge Egrén Moreno Troncoso.
- What changes in the INE appointment process? Following judicial reform, the INE president can now unilaterally appoint area heads without requiring a vote from other consejeros.
