**Tijuana’s Canaco Election Faces Controversy Over Candidate Exclusion**
In an unexpected turn of events, the election for the leadership of Tijuana’s National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur) has taken a contentious path. The race now seems to be reduced to a single candidate, the current vice president, as the “For the Future of Commerce” candidate slate has been disqualified. The controversy arose after the group, led by Karim IV Chalita RodrÃguez, was denied registration for the upcoming February 17, 2025 election.
Reports indicate that Tijuana’s business community is split over allegations that the current president, Julián Palombo Saucedo, is favoring Olivaldo Paz Gómez for the leadership role. Paz Gómez himself has made headlines following public disputes with family over his father’s inheritance, which have no bearing on his candidacy but contribute to the current spotlight.
In a statement shared on his social media platform, Paz Gómez alluded to ongoing untruths but chose not to elaborate further on specific allegations. “The desire to lead the Chamber has come with unexpected and unworthy contests,” he expressed, while asserting his well-being and family support during this period.
The disqualification of the “For the Future of Commerce” slate, championed by Chalita RodrÃguez, was reportedly due to procedural lapses. Announcements from president Palombo Saucedo and secretary Carlos Hernández León cited unmet requirements as the reason for the rejection, including issues with proving necessary affiliations and fee payments.
The Electoral Commission named Maritza Arriaga, Jesús Moreno, MarÃa Isabel Herrera, and others as having determined that several proposed candidates, including Chalita RodrÃguez, did not substantiate their representative capacities with respective enterprises. The same issue was noted in the cases of Marco Antonio Ramos Vigil, Sebastián González Galván, Alonso Vázquez Hernández, and Omar Leopoldo San Miguel.
Chalita RodrÃguez’s team plans to address the media just hours before the election to discuss the decision to invalidate their roster.
**In Other Business News:**
**Disruptions in Trade Due to Border Delays Pose Risk to Vital Goods**
Trade and commerce in Tijuana face potential disruptions as the cross-border delays stretch beyond ten hours. Industry insiders warn that such hold-ups at customs not only threaten perishable goods but also critically needed medical equipment. Business leaders urge authorities to expedite the clearance procedures to prevent significant economic impact.
Despite ongoing challenges, Canaco remains committed to safeguarding the interests of legitimate local businesses, current president Julián Palombo assures, while the upcoming election draws closer amid ongoing debates and differing interests in the business community.