### Liz Mata Alleges Gender-Based Political Violence During PAN Internal Process
Amid efforts to encourage female participation in the election for leadership of the political party in Baja California, the pre-election period has been marred by allegations of gender-based political violence. Lizbeth Mata Lozano, a former federal deputy, has come forward accusing insiders of making derogatory comments aimed at her during the internal proceedings.
Mata Lozano, in an interview, expressed concern that the negative remarks have deviated from the ideals of democracy that the party stands for. She stated that these comments have included unfounded claims and inappropriate remarks about her appearance. Consequently, she plans to bring these issues to the PAN’s Commission of Justice, specifically pointing out a member from Mexicali and another from Tijuana, who, according to her, are part of Amintha Briceño’s team, her rival candidate for state leadership.
According to the party’s guidelines, by October 10, all candidates should have been approved to run officially. Should any member be deemed responsible for these accusations, the member from Tijuana might be barred from further participation in Briceño’s team and from continuing as a state councilor. Mata Lozano mentioned that another individual allegedly claimed to have the support of national leader Marko Cortés Mendoza due to her recent role as a federal deputy.
She criticized lingering gender biases, asserting that such statements seem to undermine women’s participation and suggest a dependence on male leadership. The accusations reportedly surfaced in a chat group among party friends and state council members.
Briceño’s team includes former officials like María de los Ángeles Olague and Loreto Quintero. Meanwhile, Mata Lozano is supported by active public servants, including federal deputy Eva María Vázquez and Tijuana city councilor Sandra Magaña. Highlighting differences between the teams, Mata Lozano emphasized a desire for renewal and a return to citizen-driven causes.
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### Related News: Gender and Politics in Mexico
In a broader context, gender-based political violence remains a significant issue in Mexico, with many women in politics facing harassment and discrimination. Despite progress in many areas, female politicians often endure various forms of intimidation intended to deter their participation in the political arena. National and international organizations continue to urge for stricter policies and protective measures to secure equal opportunities and safety for women pursuing leadership roles. This ongoing challenge highlights the importance of robust legal frameworks to ensure inclusivity and equality in political participation processes across the country.
With initiatives such as increased female representation in legislative bodies, efforts to combat gender-based violence in politics are gaining traction. However, stories like that of Lizbeth Mata Lozano’s serve as a poignant reminder of the work still needed to dismantle the cultural and institutional barriers that persist in the political landscape.