**INE Approves 2025 Budget, Allocating 6 Billion Pesos for Judicial Elections**
In an extraordinary session, the General Council of the National Electoral Institute (INE) approved its budget for the fiscal year 2025, a decision made unanimously after more than three hours of discussion. The approved budget, following adjustments made by the Chamber of Deputies, stands at 19.6 billion pesos, excluding funds allocated to political parties. Out of this, 6.2 billion pesos are designated for organizing the judicial elections, which are scheduled for June 1, 2025.
Guadalupe Taddei Zavala, president of INE, expressed optimism about opening communication channels with the presidency to potentially expand the current budget. She acknowledged the substantial cut imposed by the Chamber of Deputies—over 13 billion pesos—marking it as the largest in the institute’s history. This budget reduction poses significant challenges, such as the reduction in the number of polling stations from 172,000 to 73,000, the hiring of fewer supervisors and electoral trainers, decreased public awareness campaigns, and the reuse of election materials.
Despite the severe cuts, the budget for political parties, amounting to 7.3 billion pesos, remains untouched due to legal protections. INE plans to seek a budget increase during a future meeting with the federal executive branch, led by Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, through the Ministry of Finance and Public Credit.
The council has directed the executive secretary to present a report within 15 days regarding the possibility of a budget extension.
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**Secondary Update: Pressure Grows on INE for Judicial Election Preparations**
As the INE grapples with budget constraints, concerns are mounting over its ability to effectively conduct next year’s judicial elections. Electoral authorities and stakeholders have expressed worries that reduced funding could compromise the transparency and fairness of the electoral process. Discussions are ongoing with governmental bodies to address these pressing financial gaps, as the success of these elections is crucial for maintaining judicial independence and democratic processes in the country.
Simultaneously, citizens and civil organizations have launched awareness initiatives to stress the importance of a well-funded electoral process, calling upon the government to ensure adequate resources are allocated to the INE to enable a smooth and glitch-free election. The debate continues as to whether additional funding will be secured in time to support these critical elections.