### 27 Former Election Officials Urge INE and TEPJF to Prevent Overrepresentation of “4T” in Congress
**By Carlos Álvarez Acevedo | August 15, 2024**
Twenty-seven former officials of the National Electoral Institute (INE) and the now-defunct Federal Electoral Institute (IFE), including four past presidents, have collectively appealed to prevent an overrepresentation of the ruling coalition parties in the upcoming legislature. The coalition in question includes Morena and its allies, the Green Party (PVEM) and the Labor Party (PT). This new Congressional term is set to commence on September 1, 2024.
The signatories of this open letter include Lorenzo Córdova Vianello, former chairman of INE from April 3, 2014, to April 3, 2023; Luis Carlos Ugalde Ramírez, the last president of IFE from October 31, 2003, to December 14, 2007; Leonardo Antonio Valdés Zurita, president of IFE from February 7, 2008, to October 30, 2013; and José Woldenberg Karakowsky, also a former IFE president from October 10, 1996, to October 31, 2003.
The statement was additionally signed by seven former magistrates from the Superior Chamber of the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF).
In their message, the former officials remind us that in the coming days, the INE General Council will address the crucial issue of proportional representation in the Chamber of Deputies for the 2024-2027 term. They note that this decision is likely to be scrutinized by the TEPJF’s Superior Chamber.
“This matter is not merely routine or a simple application of a mathematical formula. Its resolution will have significant implications for the balance of power among various parties and coalitions in the Chamber of Deputies,” the statement reads.
The former officials emphasize the importance of adhering to constitutional limits on overrepresentation to ensure fair and proportional reflection of the electorate’s votes. They call for a comprehensive and systematic interpretation of constitutional provisions to maintain the political plurality within the legislative body.
“We urge you to take into account the various arguments presented in recent unprecedented public discussions as you make your decision,” they add.
The signatories warn against a narrow, literal interpretation of Article 54 of the Constitution, which could result in distorted representation within the Chamber.
“The decision you make will impact the representation of diverse political forces based on the public support each received in the June 2 election. It will also reaffirm the maximum overrepresentation limits set by the Constitution in 1996, ensuring that any changes to the Fundamental Charter require broad political agreements rather than the dominance of a single party.”
Other prominent signatories include Jacqueline Peschard Mariscal, Mauricio Merino Huerta, Gastón Luken Garza, Rodrigo Morales Manzanares, María Teresa González Luna, Alejandra Latapí Renner, Arturo Sánchez Gutiérrez, Andrés Albo Márquez, Benito Nacif Hernández, Marco Antonio Baños Martínez, María Macarita Elizondo Gasperín, Alfredo Figueroa Fernández, María Marván Laborde, Beatriz Eugenia Galindo Centeno, Ciro Murayama Rendón, and José Roberto Ruiz Saldaña.
Among the former TEPJF magistrates who signed the document are Leonel Castillo González, J. Fernando Ojesto Martínez Porcayo, José De Jesús Orozco Henríquez, Mauro Miguel Reyes Zapata, José Alejandro Luna Ramos, María Del Carmen Alanís Figueroa, and Manuel González Oropeza.
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### Secondary Article: Tensions Rise as INE Revisits Electoral Rules Amidst Calls for Fair Representation
As the National Electoral Institute (INE) gears up for crucial decisions, the political landscape in Mexico faces heightened scrutiny. Earlier this week, a collective appeal from twenty-seven former election officials called for preventing overrepresentation in the upcoming Congress. The appeal shines a light on the complexities and controversies surrounding proportional representation in Mexico’s legislative body.
In related news, the Mexican President made a statement emphasizing the importance of transparent and fair elections. “We must ensure that our electoral processes reflect the true will of the people. Any form of overrepresentation undermines the democratic principles we strive to uphold,” the President remarked during a press conference.
Additionally, political analysts have noted the increasing polarization within Mexico’s political landscape. “The calls for correcting overrepresentation underscore deep-seated concerns about fairness and equity in our electoral processes. This debate is crucial for maintaining public trust in our democratic institutions,” said political analyst Ana María Salazar.
With the INE set to make pivotal decisions, both supporters and critics of the ruling coalition will be watching closely. The outcomes of these deliberations will likely shape the political dynamics in Mexico for years to come, highlighting the perennial struggle for truly representative governance.