Mexico City – Opposition parties in the Mexican Senate are celebrating a delay in the vote on electoral reforms, attributing it to disagreements within the ruling party regarding the role of the Labor Party (PT). The reforms, known as “Plan B,” have faced scrutiny and resistance from various political factions.
Clemente Castañeda, coordinator for the Citizen Movement in the Senate, praised the PT for maintaining “consistency and dignity” in the face of pressure from the governing coalition, stating that they have been treated as “practically traitors to the homeland.”
Castañeda expressed solidarity with those who have “resisted” the initiative, reiterating his opposition to the reforms, which he claims contain significant flaws, including the elimination of gender parity in municipal elections.
Ricardo Anaya, coordinator of the National Action Party (PAN), suggested the proposal has lost support, calling on the executive branch to withdraw the reforms altogether. The move underscores the growing challenges facing the government’s efforts to overhaul the electoral system.
Anaya criticized the proposal as poorly constructed and accused proponents of attempting to manipulate the rules surrounding revocations of mandate. “I do not oppose that consultation, but with a level playing field,” he said. “How is it that the president can campaign, but the opposition must remain silent?”
Anaya predicted a backlash against Morena in upcoming elections, suggesting the party is pushing for the president to be eligible for re-election to avoid defeat, but only “as long as it’s a level playing field.”
Manuel Añorve, coordinator for the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), believes Morena intends to weaken the opposition and diminish the influence of the PT and Green Party in future negotiations. He guaranteed that his party’s representatives will vote against the reforms when they come to a full Senate vote, with no absences expected.
Castañeda echoed Añorve’s commitment, stating he is working to ensure all senators from his party are present for the vote on the document.
