Perspectives on Remittance Flows in 2025

A chance to support Mexico’s resistance to democratic decline – before it’s too late

This post is also available in: Español

Earlier this year, tens of thousands of Mexicans took to the streets to protest newly enacted legislation gutting the country’s highly-regarded National Electoral Institute (INE) in advance of state elections this year and presidential elections in 2024. In response, the State Department observed: “Today, in Mexico, we see a great debate on electoral reforms on the independence of electoral and judicial institutions that illustrates Mexico’s vibrant democracy.” The facts, however, suggest that unless the Mexican Supreme Court steps in to save the day, Mexico’s democracy may not be so vibrant after all. 

The new legislation, known in Mexico as “Plan B” and backed by President López Obrador and his ruling Morena party, came after their “Plan A”—a constitutional amendment targeting INE—narrowly failed to muster the required two-thirds majority in Congress. Passed by a simple majority, Plan B eliminates INE’s professional personnel by over 80 percent, severely limits its ability to monitor elections, and allows the executive branch to interfere with INE’s budget items, structure, internal decisions, as well as the electoral roll. Given INE’s key role in ensuring Mexico’s transition from seven decades of one-party rule to a country with credible elections, these changes strike at the heart of Mexico’s democracy.

On May 8, Mexico’s Supreme Court found unconstitutional one legislative decree of the package (which limited INE’s ability to police political advertising) on the grounds that it violated “legislative procedure, particularly the principle of informed and democratic deliberation.” The president responded by hurling insults at the court and announcing a constitutional reform proposal to have judges elected by popular vote. These attacks on the court follow other attempts to undermine judicial independence, which, together with the president’s constant attacks on political opponents, independent media, and civil society groups, are serious early warnings of democratic decline in the country.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN EL PAIS

Suggested Content

Estado de Derecho: una agenda proactiva para el sector privado

Es habitual que el sector privado exija reglas de juego claras y seguridad jurídica para operar. Es menos común que líderes empresariales hablen de democracia

REACTION: Maduro Declared Winner of Venezuela’s Disputed Election

Despite the unsurprising fraud by the Maduro regime to claim victory, what happened on Sunday is the starting point—not a death sentence—for Venezuela’s transition back

In Memoriam: Mario Vargas Llosa by Michael Shifter

Senior fellow and former Dialogue president Michael Shifter reflects on the life of Mario Vargas Llosa.

Subscribe To
Latin America Advisors

* indicates required field

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Inter-American Dialogue Education Program

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER / SUSCRÍBASE A NUESTRO BOLETÍN:

* indicates required