The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced this Wednesday (25) a proposal for a constitutional reform of the electoral system that envisages reducing election costs by 25% and cutting the number of deputies elected by party list, the so-called multi-member representatives. The project also reduces resources from the National Electoral Institute (INE) and parties.
The initiative eliminates the system of preliminary results on voting night and determines that only the final results must be awaited, in addition to reinforcing the supervision of donations – with a veto on illicit and cash resources – and prohibiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and bots in campaigns. The text also expands mechanisms to encourage emigrants to vote and reduces electoral propaganda in the media.
“We don’t want a state party, we don’t want a single party”, stated Sheinbaum, adding that “all candidates have to go to the field to get the vote”. The opposition criticizes the cuts at IBGE, alleging a risk to the body’s independence and technical capacity. The proposal should be debated in Congress next week.
Everything you need to know to protect your wallet
Also this Wednesday, Congress approved the gradual reduction of weekly working hours from 48 to 40 hours, without cutting wages or benefits, in a project supported by the government. The change will begin in 2027, with a reduction of two hours per year until 2030. The text was approved in the Chamber by 411 votes to 58 and had already received approval from the Senate, now going to the state Legislatures.
The reform sets a ceiling of 12 overtime hours per week, spread over up to four days, and prohibits overtime work for minors under 18 years of age. The government estimates that 13.5 million workers will benefit, but analysts project a reach of up to 30 million. For the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (IMCO), the gradual transition tends to allow companies to progressively adjust. Representatives of the automotive sector are warning of rising costs.
*With information from the Associated Press
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