Mexico's INE initiates 2027 election preparations and faces corruption probes

Mexico's National Electoral Institute (INE) has launched several initiatives to prepare for the 2026-2027 electoral process. This includes opening applications for independent candidates seeking federal deputy positions, as well as calls for citizens to join district councils and serve as electoral observers. In Ciudad Juárez, registration for district councils is scheduled for late October.

In Nuevo León, the State Electoral Institute (IEE) has begun consultations with the LGBTTTIQ+ community and persons with disabilities to design affirmative actions for the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, the IEE has also approved gender parity measures that would require political parties to nominate women for certain municipal presidencies, a move facing legal challenges from the PRI and PAN.

Parallel to these organizational efforts, the Federal Attorney General's Office (FGR) and the Tax Administration Service (SAT) are investigating former INE officials and various companies for alleged embezzlement, money laundering, and tax fraud involving rigged contracts. Additionally, in Colombia, a new legislative project has been introduced to ensure gender parity within the country's High Courts.