### IEEBC Dismisses Mayor’s Complaint Against Absent Council Members
The Electoral Institute of Baja California (IEEBC) recently dismissed a complaint filed by Tijuana’s Mayor, Montserrat Caballero Ramírez, against council members who frequently miss sessions. The complaint, which cited “political violence on the grounds of gender” and “obstruction of duty,” was struck down by the Technical Unit of Electoral Contention. However, the IEEBC has not yet provided reasons for the dismissal.
This past Monday, the Tijuana City Council held an extraordinary session, following several adjournments. During this session, council member José Cañada was appointed as the new Secretary of Government for Tijuana. Despite the approval, the council members issued a statement saying they acted “under protest.”
Carlos Barboza, an expert in electoral issues, commented on the situation, emphasizing that the right of individuals to be elected to public office should include the capacity for women to exercise their governance effectively. Barboza noted the historical context in which women, although given opportunities to hold electoral positions, were often prevented from performing their roles adequately.
Barboza also highlighted that the mayor must demonstrate that the council members’ absences are due to gender discrimination rather than unrelated circumstances. He pointed out that while politicizing justice through controversy is a recognized right, many conflicts of this nature are usually resolved politically.
### Additional News on the Topic
#### **Tijuana Councilors Accuse TJEBC of Overstepping Boundaries**
The Electoral Tribunal of Baja California (TJEBC) recently informed a group of Tijuana council members, who have been absent from recent extraordinary sessions, that they must attend city council meetings as a precautionary measure while the IEEBC deliberates on the mayor’s complaint. The notifications were aimed at ensuring the functionality of the city’s governance despite the ongoing disputes.
The extraordinary council session on Monday, August 19 was finally held after being postponed multiple times. In this session, the appointment of José Cañada as the new Secretary of Government of Tijuana was confirmed, although done so under protest by several council members.
Carlos Barboza reiterated the importance of not only securing the right to vote but also ensuring that elected officials, especially women, can fulfill their duties without undue obstruction. He urged the mayor to substantiate her claims that their unavailability is gender-related rather than due to other reasons.
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