### Coalition Claims It Has Enough Votes for Senate Majority; Two Senators Allegedly from PRD
On August 26, 2024, Manuel Velasco Coello, former coordinator of the Green Party (PVEM) senators, announced that the coalition known as the “Fourth Transformation” (4T), along with the MORENA and Labor Party (PT), now possesses the votes of three senators required to achieve a qualified majority in the Senate of the Republic.
Speaking to various media representatives after registering for his second consecutive term as senator, Velasco confidently stated, “We do not lack [legislators]”. When pressed by a reporter about whether the coalition had secured the senators in question, Velasco responded, “You’ll see. It’s very probable. We are working on it.”
Velasco hinted that the senators might join MORENA’s bench, noting that negotiations were ongoing. “We have been dialoguing with all of them. There is a broad possibility that they will work with us. We have been talking with senators and senators of the opposition,” he added.
On August 23, 2024, the General Council of the National Electoral Institute (INE) approved the proposal that legislative groups for MORENA, PVEM, and PT, would hold 72.8% of the Chamber of Deputies. This gives the coalition control over 364 legislators, ensuring a qualified majority necessary for constitutional reforms, including those impacting the Federal Judiciary (PJF).
In the same session, the INE approved the new Senate composition, giving the 4T alliance 83 out of 128 seats. MORENA has 60 senators, PVEM 14, and PT 9, meaning they control 64% of the upper chamber. The opposition parties hold 45 seats, with PAN having 22, PRI 16, Movimiento Ciudadano 5, and PRD 2.
PRD President Jose de Jesus Zambrano Grijalva called on the party’s two elected senators to resist joining the 4T majority, stressing the importance of forming a “block of containment” to thwart potential governmental overreach and political persecution. His plea was shared via a video on the social media platform X.
The situation escalated on August 25, 2024, when the PRI and PAN challenged the INE resolution, asserting it distorted the electorate’s will by granting the 4T coalition overrepresentation. PRI President Rafael Alejandro Moreno Cardenas and PAN President Marko Antonio Cortes Mendoza both criticized the move for undermining democratic principles.
Meanwhile, President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum defended the INE’s decision, emphasizing its compliance with the law and constitution, despite facing considerable pressure.
### Additional Context: Opposition Calls for Unity Against the Coalition’s Majority
In recent developments, the opposition has mounted a unified front against the claimed overrepresentation of the 4T coalition. PRD’s leadership, particularly Jose de Jesus Zambrano Grijalva, has been vocal in ensuring that their senators remain loyal to their base and resist converting to MORENA’s ranks.
PRD officials argue that aligning with MORENA would betray the voters’ trust and undermine the democratic values the party stands for. In a video statement, Zambrano emphasized the need for a coalition of resistance among the opposition to safeguard against what he described as dictatorial aspirations from the ruling party.
The conflict has reached the judicial arena, with both PRI and PAN filing appeals against the INE’s decision. These appeals focus on maintaining the integrity of Mexico’s democratic process and ensuring that no single coalition can consolidate excessive power.
President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum and outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador have dismissed these concerns, reinforcing that the INE’s resolution aligns with legal standards. However, the opposition remains skeptical, determined to challenge the decision all the way to the Electoral Tribunal.
As the political landscape continues to shift, all eyes are on the Senate and whether the 4T coalition can indeed secure the pivotal votes required for their legislative agenda. The coming weeks will prove crucial in defining Mexico’s legislative future.
For further updates, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.