**Tijuana Chamber of Commerce Prepares for Leadership Election**
The “For the Future of Commerce” slate, led by Karim IV Chalita Rodríguez, is optimistic about its participation in the upcoming election for the Board of Directors of the National Chamber of Commerce, Services, and Tourism (Canaco-Servytur) in Tijuana. After submitting their candidacy application, the slate is waiting to be officially accepted. Carlos Alberto Álvarez Gutiérrez, the coordinator for the group, stated that they have met all necessary requirements according to the organization’s regulations and legal statutes. If their candidacy is unjustly rejected despite complete documentation, it would undermine the credibility of the institution, Álvarez noted.
Supporters of the “For the Future of Commerce” slate have previously accused the chamber of unfair electoral practices, alleging that they were barred from affiliation due to political bias. This week, they demanded access to the membership registry to ensure fairness and transparency in the election process, which is expected to involve around 400 commercial brands and up to 900 members with voting rights.
Karim Chalita, who is running for the presidency of Canaco, has pointed out the division within the sector as the election approaches. He stressed the need for a fair and legal election process. Notably, the chamber has never held an actual election before, and Carlos Alberto Álvarez Gutiérrez, acting as the slate coordinator, described the upcoming event as both novel and important as they represent the collective interests of the business community over the chamber’s own goals.
The final list of candidates for the election will determine if they and their followers can participate. The process includes obtaining a voting ticket on the day of the election, which will be crucial for participation.
In the absence of the current president, Julián Palombo Saucedo, the candidacy was filed in the presence of Vice Secretary Carlos Hernández León and Gabriel Moreno Muro, an appointed notary public. Olivaldo Paz Gómez, who supports a different slate named “Centenario,” has also requested registration and expressed his vision to transform the chamber into a true force for local business support.
Paz Gómez aims to strengthen the city’s commercial appeal, enhance security, and combat informal competition if elected. His slate proposes various initiatives such as an “Entrepreneurial Security Observatory” and partnerships to foster economic growth.
**Related News: Challenges Facing Tijuana’s Business Community Amidst Upcoming Election**
As Tijuana gears up for the Canaco election, various challenges loom over the business landscape. Recently, prolonged delays at the Otay border crossing, ranging between eight to ten hours, have sparked outrage from local trade groups. This issue highlights the ongoing difficulties traders face, exacerbated by a lack of responsive action from customs authorities.
Additionally, the city’s coffee sector is grappling with supply disruptions and rising costs due to extortion practices targeting distributors. These complexities are compounded by challenges in accessing aid for deported migrants in Mexicali, who struggle to reintegrate and find support upon return.
Furthermore, security concerns continue to trouble Tijuana’s commercial zones, pressing businesses to demand more robust measures from governmental bodies. As the Canaco election nears, it is evident that the incoming leadership will need to address these multifaceted issues to drive sustainable commercial growth in the region.