### Senate Approves Reform Granting Taddei New Authority in INE Roles
On October 10, 2024, the Senate approved a reform to the General Law of Electoral Institutions and Procedures (LEGIPE), bestowing unprecedented powers upon Guadalupe Taddei Zavala, the first female president of the National Electoral Institute (INE) since April 2023. This reform allows her to appoint key positions within the INE without needing approval from fellow council members, a privilege none of her predecessors held.
The reform passed with 81 votes in favor from the Morena, Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM), and Labor Party (PT), and 40 against from the National Action Party (PAN), Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and Citizen Movement (MC). Key changes enable Taddei Zavala to make appointments in crucial roles, excluding the Executive Secretary, with only this role continuing to require Council General approval.
Despite previous unsuccessful attempts to secure backing for her nominations, this legislative change minimizes the need for consensual approval of top-level appointments. Concerns have arisen over this shift in power, with critics like Senator Manlio Fabio Beltrones and Electoral Councilor Carla Humphrey Jordan expressing fears about the erosion of the INE’s collegial decision-making structure.
Although efforts were made to contest these changes, they were ultimately dismissed by the ruling coalition. Critics argue that the reform disrupts the collective nature of INE decision-making and grants Taddei Zavala singular authority over the appointment of executive directors and technical unit heads.
The reform introduces alterations to the composition and authority of the INE’s General Executive Board, further consolidating administrative powers. As the debate continues, there remains uncertainty about the long-term impact on the INE’s function and independence.
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### Related News: Reform Draws Mixed Reaction from Political Circles
The recent Senate reform granting additional powers to the INE president continues to trigger varied reactions among Mexico’s political spheres. While Morena and its allies see it as a step towards streamlined governance, opposition parties slam it as a departure from democratic processes in electoral management.
Prominent political figures express concern over the concentration of power. Critics underscore the potential for reduced transparency and checks within the electoral system. Others warn of the anticipated challenges to maintaining impartiality in electoral affairs.
In parallel, watchdog organizations and civil society groups have voiced apprehensions about the reform’s implications for electoral integrity. They stress the need for safeguards that balance efficiency with accountability.
As this legislative change gains traction, the focus shifts to how it will influence upcoming electoral cycles. Observers anticipate rigorous discussions about potential revisions or countermeasures to safeguard the INE’s autonomy and uphold democratic principles in Mexico’s future elections.