### Majority of TEPJF Magistrates Confirm “4th Transformation” Qualified Majority in San Lázaro
On August 28, 2024, the Full Superior Chamber of the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) approved a proposal from Magistrate Felipe de la Mata Pizaña. This ruling grants the self-proclaimed “fourth transformation” a qualified majority in the Lower House of the Mexican Congress (San Lázaro), enabling them to implement various constitutional reforms, including those affecting the Federal Judiciary.
The proposal received favorable votes from Magistrates Mónica Aralí Soto Fregoso (President), Felipe Alfredo Fuentes Barrera, and De la Mata Pizaña. On the contrary, it was opposed by Reyes Rodríguez Mondragón and Janine Madeline Otálora Malassis.
During the session, the President of the Superior Chamber, Soto Fregoso, revealed that the magistrates had faced pressures and threats but emphasized their commitment to judging the 8,662 challenges to overrepresentation based on constitutional principles.
“Today, as 28 years ago, we magistrates act with absolute public responsibility, professionalism, and adherence to principles that must guide every judge,” Soto Fregoso asserted, reinforcing that the TEPJF would prioritize the rule of law over any external influences.
Soto Fregoso affirmed her support for the project, describing it as coherent, consistent, and congruent. She also provided a historical overview of the shifts in the Lower House and reiterated the importance of ensuring the judicial decisions reflect the true will of the voters.
Opposing the project, Otálora Malassis warned that such overrepresentation could harm the constitutional structure and insisted on a re-evaluation of the “supermajority” concept. Fuentes Barrera, however, argued against altering established electoral frameworks, asserting legal certainty and supporting the existing interpretation by the National Electoral Institute (INE).
Similarly, Rodríguez Mondragón suggested rectifying inconsistencies through legislative means and proposed alternate methods like dual ballots for more accurate representation.
On August 27, 2024, Magistrate De la Mata Pizaña published his resolution project, addressing challenges from political parties PAN and PRI. His findings supported maintaining the existing distribution, noting any changes would undermine electoral certainty and constitutional principles.
The INE had previously approved a distribution granting Morena and its allies a 72.8% share in the Lower House and 64% control in the Senate, reinforcing the transformation coalition’s dominant legislative position.
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### Additional News on the Subject:
#### Tensions Rise as Mexico Faces Controversial Electoral Decision
As reported on August 28, 2024, tension grows within Mexico’s political landscape following the TEPJF’s controversial decision, which grants the “fourth transformation” coalition a substantial majority in the Lower House. The ruling enables unprecedented leverage for constitutional amendments that could reshape the nation’s judiciary system.
Experts and civil society organizations are scrutinizing the decision, expressing concerns about potential abuses of power and erosion of democratic safeguards. The National Electoral Institute (INE) faces increased scrutiny over its role in validating this majority.
Political analysts predict a turbulent legislative phase as opposition parties vow to contest the ruling through legal channels and public demonstrations. This development underscores the critical balance between electoral law and democratic integrity, heralding a transitional period fraught with significant legal and political implications.