Chihuahua Congress approves sweeping electoral reform amid partisan clashes

The Chihuahua state Congress voted to overhaul the State Electoral Law and the Municipal Code. The reform passed with 20 votes in favour and 12 against, but fell short of the two‑thirds super‑majority required for some items, resulting in the exclusion of the proposed “anti‑Cruz” law and provisions that would have allowed nullification of elections on grounds of organized‑crime or foreign interference.

Key changes reduce the number of regidores (municipal councillors) to 15 in the cities of Chihuahua and Juárez, adjust the balance between majority‑relative and proportional seats, and modify rules on candidate eligibility, gender parity, and indigenous representation. A proposal sponsored by Morena deputy Elizabeth Guzmán Argueta to ban immediate re‑election of municipal officials was also rejected.

The reform sparked sharp criticism from opposition leaders. PAN deputy Cuauhtémoc Estrada said, “hoy pierde Chihuahua,” accusing the majority of rolling back democratic participation. PAN coordinator Alfredo Chávez added, “Morena insulta a Maru, pero no responde por Rocha Moya,” linking Morena to organized‑crime ties. Mayor Marco Bonilla publicly backed Governor Maru Campos and condemned the Morena bloc’s vote against anti‑crime safeguards.

In response, activists in Juárez announced plans for a referendum to restore direct election of regidores and intend to file an amparo against the congressional decision, arguing the change undermines democratic rights.