Massive protests in Mexico City against electoral reforms

Huge masses have gathered in Mexico City to launch massive protests against proposed electoral reforms ahead of the presidential elections in 2024. The presidential elections will be held in June 2024.

Mexicans are holding massive protests against the proposed changes to the electoral authority ahead of the upcoming presidential elections in Mexico City.

According to the Mexico City administration, approximately 90,000 people gathered in the Zocalo Square of the city. However, the rally organizers claimed a higher number of protestors than it.

Mexico protesters in mass rally against electoral changes https://t.co/cV3P2Fwcmy
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The opposition accuses Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador of attempting to destabilize the National Electoral Institute (INE), an autonomous and neutral entity. On the other hand, President Andres claims INE is a biased and corrupt institute.

Hence, President Andres has been campaigning for reforms of the National Electoral Institute (INE) since his victory in the 2018 presidential elections in Mexico.

He claims he will save taxpayers $150 million (approximately £119m) each year by dramatically decreasing the staff of INE under reforms. However, Mexicans get these reforms as interference in the transparent selection of eligible public representatives in the general elections in 2024.

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The massive protests in Mexico City have historical significance as these are the latest of its kind in recent years. One of the protestors, Diana Arnaiz, told the media that they don’t want their autonomous institutions attacked. They want to defend their democracy. Moreover, they want the INE to be independent. They want their president to stay out of the election.

Another protestor, Maria de Jesus Torres, also spoke during the protest. She stated that millions of Mexicans are against this government. She is coming out for her children and grandchildren.

However, Mexican President Andres couldn’t participate in the next presidential elections. Because Mexican presidents are limited to only a single six-year term. He supports former Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum to become the next president. Claudia is presently topping opinion polls.

Ms. Claudia is also a member of the ruling Morena party. She formally entered the campaign yesterday Feb 18, 2024, when she submitted her registration papers to contest for elections.