Mexican electoral reform faces strong resistance

Significance

The proposal, backed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador (AMLO) and his National Regeneration Movement (Morena), would replace the National Electoral Institute (INE) with a new body, the composition of which would be subject to public elections. Its implementation would require a constitutional amendment, which the government does not currently have the congressional numbers to approve.

Impacts

• Rejection of the reform could increase the likelihood of AMLO claiming fraud in the event of an opposition win in the 2024 election.
• Reduced public subsidies for political parties could see crime groups gain greater political leverage through illegal financing.
• No foreign government would be likely to condemn the reform, but its enactment would erode international trust in Mexican elections.