Baja California Approves Reform, Elects Congressional President

The Baja California State Congress declared the constitutional reform on the so‑called “Plan B” to be in force. The amendment modifies articles 5, 14, 78, 79 and 90 of the state constitution, introducing gender parity in the Congress and municipal councils, setting a 0.70 % ceiling on the legislature’s share of the state budget, and mandating a cumulative 15 % spending reduction over four fiscal years. Savings are earmarked for public infrastructure projects. The reform also limits the terms of members of the State Electoral Institute to seven years without re‑election, caps their remuneration at the federal limit, bans private insurance and special benefits, and creates an internal control body to audit the Institute’s finances. Restrictions are placed on electoral officials, prohibiting them from holding partisan or elected positions for two years after their service.

In a separate internal vote, Morena legislators elected Eligio Valencia López as president of the state Congress for the period 1 August to 30 November 2024. Valencia, a former PRI member with a record of low attendance in plenary sessions, will preside over the Congress and receive the state government’s fifth report from Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda. The leadership change follows the recent constitutional amendment and reflects the party’s majority in the chamber.