Mexico President Sheinbaum proposes integrity commission to block crime-linked candidates

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced she will submit a reform to the Mexican Congress that would create a Commission of Verification of Integrity of Candidacies within the National Electoral Institute (INE). The body would act as a liaison between political parties and security, intelligence and justice authorities – including the National Intelligence Center, the Attorney General’s Office, the Financial Intelligence Unit and the Banking and Securities Commission – to assess whether prospective candidates pose a “reasonable risk” of ties to organized crime.

Parties could voluntarily submit candidate lists for review; the commission would keep source information confidential while informing parties whether a risk exists. Final decisions on maintaining or withdrawing nominations would remain with the parties, and candidates would be required to consent to the review. Sheinbaum said the measure aims to prevent the infiltration of criminal groups in local governments ahead of the 2027 elections, citing cases in the State of Mexico, Jalisco and Morelos. The proposal is slated for presentation during the current extraordinary legislative session.