Protesters have taken to the streets in several Mexican cities to denounce what they perceive as the government’s attempts to undermine electoral authorities. The demonstrations have been triggered by recent decisions by lawmakers to reduce the budget of the National Electoral Institute (Ine) and cut its staffing. Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has accused the Ine of being partisan and pushing his government for reforms. The controversial move has been met with resistance from the opposition, who view it as an attack on democracy itself.
The most significant protests took place in Mexico City, where organizers claim 500,000 people marched on the city’s main plaza. Other smaller, peaceful demonstrations were staged in several other cities, and opponents have called on the Supreme Court to overturn the decision, claiming that it is unconstitutional.
In a bid to defend the reforms, President López Obrador has cited the need to save taxpayers $150m (£125m) a year by reducing the agency’s staffing. Since his election in 2018, he has been pushing for a reform of the Ine, whose staff oversee elections. However, critics have accused him of using these reforms to consolidate power and favor his party’s interests.
Sunday’s rallies in Mexico City saw massive crowds gather in the historic Zocalo Square, with the demonstrators spilling out into adjoining streets in the city center. The protest was largely peaceful, with participants waving banners and chanting slogans in support of democracy. Some of the protesters held up posters with the words “No to electoral sabotage” and “Don’t mess with democracy.”
The recent events have highlighted growing tensions between President López Obrador and his opponents, who have accused him of trying to erode democratic institutions in Mexico. Critics claim that his actions are part of a broader trend of authoritarianism in Latin America, which has seen several leaders make moves to undermine democratic institutions in their countries.
The future of the Ine remains uncertain, with many concerned that the recent cuts will have a negative impact on the organization’s ability to oversee future elections. There are also concerns that the current situation could lead to further unrest, as protesters continue to demand a reversal of the reforms. The Mexican government has yet to comment on the ongoing situation, but it is likely that the controversy surrounding the Ine will remain a key issue in Mexican politics for some time to come.