Chihuahua PAN internal rifts and electoral reform spark political turmoil

A power struggle within the National Action Party (PAN) in the Mexican state of Chihuahua has become public, with prominent figures such as Sergio Nevárez, Marco Bonilla, Rulo García and Santiago de la Peña positioning themselves for future leadership. The conflict unfolds ahead of the 2027 elections, which will decide the governor, state congress and about 67 municipal presidencies.

The state Congress, dominated by the PAN‑PRI‑MC‑PVEM bloc, approved a controversial electoral reform that alters the direct election of councilors, reduces gender‑parity guarantees, permits a mayoral candidate to appear simultaneously on a council list, and limits the ability of top‑vote‑winning district candidates to run as plurinominal legislators. A separate proposal from Morena sought to add safeguards against organized‑crime and foreign influence, but it was rejected.

Critics also point to the government’s financing of a 600‑million‑peso public‑private rodeo arena, the auction of publicly funded housing units, and a surge in violence – 17 homicides in three days and continued forced displacement in the Sierra. These measures are described as part of an intensive “cognitive war” to shape public opinion and counter opposition from Morena and the federal government.