**New PRI Leadership to Be Decided Today; Alito Prepares for Victory**
On August 11, 2024, the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) will determine its leadership and general secretariat for the 2024-2028 term. This appointment occurs amidst allegations from party members about irregularities in the process, as Alejandro Moreno Cárdenas, commonly known as “Alito,” and Carolina Viggiano Austria, the current president, and secretary on leave, seek to extend their tenure for a second term.
This move would mark the first re-election of leaders in the PRI’s nearly 100-year history. Other registered candidates include Deputy Lorena Piñón and councilor Cuauhtémoc Betanzos, both aiming for the leadership and general secretariat of the National Executive Committee (CEN), respectively. Notably, it is the second time Piñón is vying for this position.
However, internal party critics, including former governors and ex-leaders, accuse Alejandro Moreno of paving the way for his re-election through illegal and undemocratic actions, such as amending party statutes during an electoral period—an act prohibited by Article 34 of the General Law of Political Parties. Furthermore, they argue that the convocation of a National Assembly at the start of July was rushed and non-transparent.
Dulce María Sauri, a former governor of Yucatán and vocal critic of Moreno’s leadership, stated, “This convocation to renew leadership and the National Assembly is illegal because the law prevents parties from renewing leadership during an electoral process. The electoral tribunal still needs to certify the presidential election and resolve the representation issue in the Legislative Power, which has until August 30 to do so. Until then, the prohibition remains in force.”
On July 7, PRI’s 24th National Assembly reformed Article 178 of the party’s statutes, allowing Alejandro Moreno and Carolina Viggiano, along with state committee heads, to be elected for up to three consecutive terms. Initially appointed to lead the PRI from 2019 to August 2023, Moreno extended his term to 2024 with a statute change approved at the end of 2022, citing the federal election as the rationale. The recent reform could potentially allow Moreno to extend his presidency until 2032, marking three consecutive terms.
**Secondary Article: Growing Controversy Within PRI Leadership Battle**
In related news, the chatter surrounding the PRI leadership contest intensifies. Former senior party members have openly criticized the current process. Noted political figure, Beatriz Paredes, expressed her concerns about the party’s future during a recent interview, highlighting the essential need for transparency and real democratic practices within PRI.
Several grassroots campaigns have also emerged, calling for a halt to what they term “democratic backsliding” within the party. Political analysts suggest that the internal strife could weaken PRI’s standing in the upcoming federal elections, emphasizing the importance of a fair and legitimate leadership selection process.
As the decision day approaches, all eyes remain on the PRI, with many anticipating a pivotal moment that could define the direction of the party for years to come.