**IEE Faces Tight Deadline to Call Plebsicite on Baja California Project**
In Baja California, the State Electoral Institute (IEE) is under pressure as it faces a tight deadline to determine whether to call a plebiscite scheduled for June 1. The plebiscite aims to gauge public opinion on the proposed construction of toll lanes on Boulevard 2000. The urgency comes in response to public opposition following the decree by Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda in January, granting a concession for this public infrastructure project.
A group of citizens, supported by notable figures such as federal deputy Evangelina Moreno and former mayoral candidate José Ángel Peñaflor, recently submitted over 18,000 signatures to the IEE on March 26. This submission fulfills the requirement to request a plebiscite, coinciding with the judges’ elections on the same date in June.
According to Baja California’s Citizen Participation Law, such a plebiscite requires a public call at least 60 days prior to the voting date. With signatures submitted at the end of March, the IEE must rapidly process and verify these through the National Electoral Institute, and issue the plebiscite call by early April to meet legal obligations.
Historically, as the IEE’s data shows, similar plebiscite and referendum processes in the region have taken significantly longer than the six days now available. The Constellation Brands plebiscite and the ‘Ley Gandalla’ referendum took over a month for verification and completion. If the IEE fails to meet the deadlines, the plebiscite may not proceed in time.
**Secondary Article: Baja California Toll Lane Project Sparks Public Outcry**
As Baja California’s government pushes forward with plans for constructing four toll lanes on Boulevard 2000, public unrest is mounting. Many residents feel that such significant infrastructure projects should not proceed without thorough community consultation. Critics argue that the project could impact local traffic and the environment, and urge that taxpayer input through a plebiscite is crucial.
Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda’s decree has faced backlash due to perceived transparency issues and concerns over long-term financial implications for residents. Meanwhile, grassroots movements are rallying more supporters, aiming to highlight the importance of democratic involvement in such decisions.
As more groups join the call for accountability, this situation emphasizes the broader debate on citizen engagement in governmental decision-making processes and the balance between development and public opinion.
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