Morena faces internal strife over 2027 candidate designations

The ruling Morena party is facing significant internal friction as it designates “coordinators for the defense of the transformation,” a move widely viewed as a way to name potential 2027 gubernatorial candidates ahead of legal timelines. These appointments have triggered disputes within the party’s coalition, notably with the Labor Party (PT), which has distanced itself from Morena’s selection process in states like Zacatecas.

Internal tensions are rising in several regions, including Guerrero, Sinaloa, Michoacán, and Zacatecas, due to perceived lack of transparency regarding the surveys used to select candidates. Critics and opposition members have accused the party of using “dedazo” (direct appointment) rather than democratic processes. In response, Movimiento Ciudadano (MC) has filed a formal complaint with the National Electoral Institute (INE), alleging that these early designations violate electoral laws regarding premature campaigning.

While President Claudia Sheinbaum has maintained that candidates are determined by surveys and not by governors, the process remains highly contentious. In some areas, such as Chiapas, founding members are also demanding representation to avoid being sidelined in the upcoming electoral cycle.