Challenges Facing Mexico's National Electoral Institute: A Conversation with President Councilor Lorenzo Córdova

Mexico's electoral body -- then named the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) -- obtained full political autonomy in 1996, after a series of electoral reforms. Since then, the IFE, now INE, has organized Mexico's democratic processes. From supporting the country's transition to democracy in 2000 to carrying out its largest and most historic national election in 2021, the INE has remained one of the most-trusted institutions in Mexico. While the INE has significantly fortified and matured its institutional foundation over the past three decades, that trajectory has not been devoid of challenges. Most notably, the 2022 Federal Budget imposed a 5 billion peso ($245 million USD) budget cut on the INE, complicating its ability to fulfill President López Obrador's request to carry out a presidential mandate revocation referendum, which is estimated to cost about 3.8 billion pesos. In late December, the Supreme Court ruled that the INE must abide by the president’s mandate regardless of the budget. Still, the Court did not specify a timeframe for the referendum to take place, while López Obrador has implored the electoral body to conduct it on April 10th. These tandem challenges have created a tense political environment, complicating potential concessions.

Our discussion of these important issues will begin with a keynote presentation by Dr. Córdova, who will discuss INE’s feats and challenges, followed by comments by Congressman Lowenthal on the importance of democratic institutions and a panel discussion featuring commentary from Mr. Garrastazu and Ms. Ullmer. Following the formal presentations and discussion, audience members will have an opportunity to pose questions to our speakers and panelists.