Mexico's President Sheinbaum proposes reform to vet candidates for organized‑crime links

President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she will submit to the permanent commission of the Mexican Congress a reform of the General Law of Institutions and Electoral Procedures. The amendment would create a new Commission of Verification of Integrity of Candidatures attached to the National Electoral Institute (INE).

Under the proposal, political parties would voluntarily send the names of their prospective candidates to the commission, which would then consult the Financial Intelligence Unit (UIF), the National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV), the National Intelligence Center (CNI) and the Attorney General's Office (FGR). Those agencies would assess whether there is no risk or a reasonable risk of a link to organized crime. The commission would report its findings to the parties, which would retain the final decision to register the candidacy. If a reasonable risk is identified, the relevant state authorities could pursue further investigations or charges.

The commission would be composed of five electoral counselors appointed for a three‑year term by the INE’s General Council. All exchanges would be confidential to protect due‑process rights. Sheinbaum said the measure is intended to be in place for the 2027 electoral period.