In a recent decision, Mexico's electoral institute has awarded the governing Morena party and its allies approximately 73% of seats in the lower house of Congress, despite winning less than 60% of the votes in the June 2 elections. This ruling, subject to potential legal challenges, would provide the coalition with a two-thirds majority necessary for approving constitutional changes in Mexico.
If upheld, Morena and its allies would secure around 364 seats in the 500-seat Chamber of Deputies, granting them significant influence in Congress. Critics argue that this allocation of seats gives Morena more power than it earned through the electoral process.
The controversy stems from a law that distributes congressional seats based on proportional representation, aiming to ensure smaller parties are represented in Congress. However, the law prohibits any party from obtaining a majority through proportional seats alone.
Morena seemingly circumvented this restriction by strategically supporting allied smaller parties, enabling them to secure a majority coalition. While the coalition narrowly missed a two-thirds majority in the Senate, they remain close to achieving it and could potentially garner support from a smaller party.
The proposed constitutional changes, including the election of judges and consolidation of oversight bodies, have sparked concerns among investors, financial institutions, and foreign diplomats. Critics fear these alterations could undermine Mexico's democracy and erode the independence of the judiciary.
The ongoing strike by court employees in protest of the judicial proposal has disrupted federal court operations, with judges and magistrates joining the walkout. Morena's push to centralize oversight functions within government departments has raised apprehensions about accountability and transparency.
While President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's term ends in September, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum has pledged to uphold his policies, potentially reshaping Mexico's governance landscape.
