The ‘Plan B’ that smells like an advantage
After the rejection of her first reform, Claudia Sheinbaum presents a new package of electoral changes. Experts do not buy the story: they say it is less radical, but equally dangerous.
The jewel in the crown is the revocation of mandate. Originally a citizen tool, it could now become the perfect springboard. The play? Move the poll to coincide with the midterm elections.
“Today Plan B is becoming a ritual to enhance the electoral publicity of the president of the Republic”,
That is the crude reading of José Woldenberg, former president of the IFE. He doesn’t walk alone. Javier Martín Reyes and Tito Garza Onofre agree: this breaks with decades of consensus on electoral matters.
A tailored constitutional privilege
The serious thing is not just the timing. The proposal would give Sheinbaum a unique “constitutional privilege”, according to Martín Reyes. He could campaign from his position without asking for a license, something denied to any other contender.
In addition, it includes salary adjustments and cuts funding to ‘hinge’ parties. Translation: the opposition is weakened and the ruling party is strengthened. The impartiality of the system hangs by a thread.
Analysts have long memories. They remember when electoral changes were built with agreements and listening to everyone. This plan comes packaged from the top, with no real dialogue.
The final message is clear: although less aggressive than its predecessor, this reform creates a high-risk scenario. If this happens, the 2027 elections could be a race with the government taking advantage from the start.
Democracy is not won at the polls if the playing field is tilted from the beginning.
