Claudia Sheinbaum announced new electoral reform that will give Morena full control of the INE

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Claudia Sheinbaum (Photo: Presidencia de Mexico)

On June 24, 2025, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced plans to introduce a new electoral reform, following public criticism from several National Electoral Institute (INE) counselors regarding irregularities in the recent judicial elections. During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum accused the INE of overstepping its authority by questioning the validity of certain votes—an action she argued falls under the jurisdiction of the Electoral Tribunal, not the INE.

Sheinbaum stated that some INE counselors were acting with political bias, claiming they consistently opposed initiatives from her administration, known as the Fourth Transformation. “They are not acting to uphold the will of the people,” she said, “but rather to block anything that challenges their political stance”.

The proposed reform, which Sheinbaum said is part of her 100 campaign commitments, aims to reduce the cost of elections and streamline the electoral system. Key elements include cutting the INE’s budget, reducing public funding for political parties, and eliminating plurinominal (proportional representation) legislative seats. She emphasized that the 2025 judicial election cost over 8 billion pesos, which she considers excessive.

While the exact date for presenting the reform has not been disclosed, Sheinbaum confirmed that her legislative team is already drafting the proposal. The announcement has sparked renewed debate over the balance of power between electoral institutions and the executive branch, as well as the future of Mexico’s democratic processes.

Critics argue that the reform could weaken institutional checks and balances, while supporters claim it will make elections more efficient and less costly. As the political landscape shifts, the proposed changes are expected to ignite intense discussion in Congress and among civil society groups.

Sources: SIPSE / Diario Puntual

The Mexico City Post