INE leadership calls for institutional autonomy ahead of 2026-2027 elections

Guadalupe Taddei Zavala, president of Mexico’s National Electoral Institute (INE), has called on the organization’s staff and counselors to defend institutional autonomy against external pressures, budget cuts, and smear campaigns. This statement comes ahead of the formal start of the 2026-2027 federal electoral process on October 5.

Taddei defended the institute’s requested 2027 budget of over 28 billion pesos and a graphic identity change, responding to criticisms from President Claudia Sheinbaum. She noted the budget is necessary to organize elections across 17 states, involving the renewal of governorships, local congresses, and over 2,000 municipalities.

Electoral Counselor Carla Humphrey expressed concerns regarding recent decisions by the General Council that she believes weaken electoral organization. Humphrey highlighted the need for clear guidelines regarding unfolded ballots, which previously led to the annulment of nearly 900 polling stations. She also emphasized the importance of ensuring polling station officials are not party militants and that electoral observers remain independent from social programs.