A large number of people gathered in Mexico City’s main square on Sunday to show their backing for the country’s electoral authority, alleging that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is attempting to undermine the organization before the upcoming presidential election in June.
The demonstrations, one of many in recent years aimed at protecting the National Electoral Institute (INE), are in response to Lopez Obrador’s submission of a comprehensive set of constitutional reforms to Congress, which includes a revamp of the INE.
According to organizers, 700,000 individuals showed up, potentially making it one of the biggest demonstrations against Lopez Obrador as his term nears its end.
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The Mexico City government stated that only 90,000 people attended, under the control of Lopez Obrador’s MORENA party. There has been a consistent issue with accurately counting turnout at past pro-INE demonstrations.
Lopez Obrador has not been secretive about the package’s purpose to sway the debate before the June 2 voting, where his political successor Claudia Sheinbaum is expected to win. However, the president has expressed doubt that most reforms will be approved.
Transforming the INE into the National Institute of Elections and Consultations would involve assuming control of the country’s local electoral bodies and reducing the number of counselors leading the organization. It would also involve electoral judges being elected through popular vote.
Protests Against President Lopez Obrador’s Government
Lorenzo Cordova, the former head of the INE, informed the audience that authorities are aiming to remove autonomous institutions, bring them under control, or acquire them. “There has been a fierce assault on these institutions.”
The president has consistently expressed his disdain for the INE, even going as far as to claim that the electoral body played a role in his defeats during the 2006 and 2012 presidential elections.
Protesters on Sunday accused the government of meddling in an attempt to concentrate power, though the president has said he will respect the results of the election.
Protesters used the demonstrations to voice their opposition to various aspects of Lopez Obrador’s government, such as the perceived inability to reduce high levels of violence and social welfare initiatives.
Maria de los Angeles Lopez expressed her concern about the current government’s direction, warning of an impending catastrophe. “Being fearful of venturing outside, worried about our finances running out, that’s why I decided to participate in the demonstration.
