Jalisco electoral institute faces leadership search and legal complaints

The Jalisco Electoral and Citizen Participation Institute (IEPC) is currently navigating leadership and legal challenges ahead of the 2026-2027 local electoral process. The presidency of the IEPC has been vacant since the resignation of Paula Ramírez Höhne on July 1. The National Electoral Institute (INE) has identified 19 candidates, consisting of 11 men and 8 women, deemed “idóneas” (suitable) to fill the role. The academic group Compromiso Jalisco has analyzed these profiles, noting that Diego Cortes Gutiérrez achieved the highest knowledge exam score of 8.80.

Simultaneously, the Morena Jalisco party has filed a formal complaint with the IEPC against Guadalajara Mayor Verónica Delgadillo García and Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro. The complaint alleges premature campaigning and the potential misuse of public resources. Morena specifically cited Delgadillo’s announcement of her intention to seek re-election during an official government report, arguing that this used a public accountability forum to gain an unfair political advantage.