The Mexican Chamber of Deputies approved this Thursday a constitutional amendment that allows the annulment of elections if evidence of foreign interference is found, a measure that, for critics, could weaken the electoral process and make it easier for the losers to reverse the results.
Approved by the Chamber of Deputies with 307 votes in favor, 128 against and 1 abstention, the amendment still needs approval from the Senate.
The proposal amends an article of the Constitution and defines foreign interference as “illicit financing, propaganda, systematic dissemination of disinformation, digital manipulation and intervention by foreign governments or agencies”.
It also covers acts of political, economic, diplomatic or media pressure intended to influence public opinion.
The vote on the proposed constitutional amendment takes place amid growing unrest within the ruling party — Morena — over what it considers to be foreign intervention in Mexican affairs.
Earlier this month, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, a conservative Spanish politician who represents the city of Madrid, visited Mexico and criticized the Sheinbaum government, comparing it to the communist regime in Cuba. United States President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to interfere with Mexico’s efforts to combat drug trafficking.
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“There may be a risk of foreign interference in Mexican elections,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said during her daily press conference after Congress’s decision. She also acknowledged that there have been cases of foreign funding for local candidates and organizations in Mexico.
‘It is important to protect our territory from any interference’, he added, emphasizing the need for the law to be specific and clear.
Opposition parliamentarians resisted the amendment, arguing that parties in power could use it as a political tool after an electoral defeat.
“We reject any foreign intervention. The problem is that we are in a debate that confuses intervention with meddling, which are different things,” said Ruben Moreira, deputy from the opposition PRI party.
A second presidential bill, which modifies electoral legislation to prevent the candidacy of people linked to organized crime, was also approved.
