Because nothing says “democracy” like voting instructions
Ah, the choice of judgmental people. That magical moment in which citizens exercise their sacred right to… follow instructions? It seems some political actors thought voters needed an “election accordion” (yes, like those in the primary) to remind them how to mark their ballot. Fortunately, the Complaints and Complaints Commission of the INE decided that Mexicans are not so clueless and prohibited this peculiar method of “civic education.”
The ban: when the INE plays the “electoral police”
The measure not only applies to election day, but also to the closed period (that moment when, theoretically, politicians should keep quiet, but we all know they don’t). Those affected? From public servants to digital platforms, including any citizen who believes that distributing “voting guides” is a brilliant idea. The website vota.sireson.com was the first to go down, for supposedly indicating “how to vote correctly” (translation: how to vote for certain candidates).
And what exactly does the agreement say? Well, this violates the principle of neutrality and the freedom of suffrage. What a novelty. As if we needed to be told that receiving voting instructions from third parties (including governments and parties!) is, I don’t know… undemocratic? Counselor Claudia Zavala, in a fit of obviousness, supported the measure because, quote: “it could generate irreparable damage”. You know, like when they tell you what to answer on a test and suddenly you pass without deserving it… oh, wait.
Brugada and his “I was not”
Meanwhile, the Head of Government, Clara Brugada, came out to clarify that her administration is not mobilizing voters with public resources. Of course not! Because we all know that in Mexico the treasury has never been used to influence elections (wink, wink). Brugada insisted that they only support what was agreed with the INE and that, of course, there are no charges. Is anyone else hearing an echo of “I protest too much”?
Anyway, while the INE plays cat and mouse with the “electoral accordions”, we citizens are still here, wondering if we really need to be told how to vote… or if, perhaps, they should worry more about candidates who inspire confidence without manuals involved.
Do you think this measure is good or do you think it is exaggerated? Share this article and join the debate (because, at least here, your opinion does count without accordions in between).
Explore more content on electoral transparency and don’t let them tell you how to think.
