Electoral reform to be submitted on Monday: Monreal

Electoral reform to be submitted on Monday: Monreal

Mexico’s Electoral Reform Faces Hurdles as Submission Date Nears

President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has announced that a draft of its long-awaited electoral reform will be submitted to Congress on Monday, February 24, 2026, as confirmed by Morena party leader Ricardo Monreal. The reform, aimed at overhauling Mexico’s electoral framework, has faced delays due to internal disagreements within Sheinbaum’s governing coalition. Lawmakers from smaller allied parties, including the Green and Workers’ parties, have raised concerns about proposed cuts to public funding for political parties and reductions in congressional seats, which could weaken their influence.

The reform aligns with broader efforts to consolidate institutional changes initiated by Sheinbaum’s predecessor, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), who sought to reduce the power of independent electoral regulators. AMLO’s 2022 attempt to slash the budget of Mexico’s National Electoral Institute (INE) was blocked by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional. Sheinbaum has defended the reforms, arguing they will reduce excessive campaign spending and streamline governance, but critics warn they risk entrenching Morena’s dominance and undermining electoral pluralism.

Monreal, who has signaled flexibility in negotiations, acknowledged ongoing efforts to adjust the bill’s wording to address coalition concerns. However, opposition parties, including the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and the National Action Party (PAN), have largely refrained from engaging in the debate, focusing instead on safeguarding INE’s independence and institutional integrity. Emilio Suárez Licona, a PRI legislator, warned that reducing public funding could incentivize candidates to seek alternative financing, potentially opening doors to illicit sources.

The reform’s success hinges on securing a two-thirds legislative majority, requiring cooperation from smaller allied parties. While Sheinbaum’s government has emphasized public consultations and citizen input through forums and surveys, critics argue the process remains driven by elite negotiations within Morena and its allies. Analysts caution that without broader consensus, the reforms could deepen political polarization and weaken Mexico’s democratic institutions.

As the bill moves forward, stakeholders will closely monitor whether compromises can be reached to balance institutional integrity with the government’s reform agenda.