Introduction
Mexico is one of the world’s largest nations because of its large population. The nation achieved its electoral democracy status in 2000, and the shifting of power between political parties is commonplace at the state and federal levels (Freedom House, 2023). Despite its democratic status, Mexico is plagued by a multiplicity of deficits in the rule of law. As a result, its citizens seldom experience their full civil liberties and political rights (Freedom House, 2023).
The persistence of organized crime and corruption among the political elite facilitates the perpetration of human rights abuses in the country. The state and criminals have created an environment in which impunity is prevalent. As a result, governance structures have collapsed, leaving the citizens vulnerable and afraid. Mexico scored 27 out of 40 for political rights and 33 out of 60 for civil liberties. Given the challenges it faces regarding governance and crime, Freedom House rates Mexico as partly free regarding electoral processes (Freedom House, 2023).
Electoral System
The structure of government in Mexico comprises a chief of state, who is the president, and the assembly, referred to as the bicameral National Congress. The assembly is made up of the Chamber of Deputies, which has 500 seats, and the Senate, which has 128 seats (International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), 2022). It is worth noting that the president serves as both the head of government and the Chief of State.
Mexico’s electoral system is designed to serve the interests of its citizens. The nation’s president is elected by a simple majority popular vote for a term not exceeding six years (IFES, 2022). A total of 96 members from the country’s Senate are elected through multi-seat constituencies determined through a simple majority, while the remaining 32 are elected by a single countrywide constituency (IFES, 2022). The latter group of senators is elected using a proportional representation vote.
The elected senators serve a term identical to the presidential term. Single-seat constituencies that apply a simple majority vote elect 300 individuals who serve in the Chamber of Deputies. A proportional representation vote is used to elect the remaining 200 individuals by a single, countrywide constituency (IFES, 2022). The elected individuals serve a term of not more than three years (IFES, 2022). Mexico has engaged in numerous electoral activities, the latest of which was a referendum.
Last Elections
The last electoral process recorded by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems from Mexico is the August 2021 referendum. The core issue was whether or not the people agreed that the legal framework must be implemented to clarify political decisions. 98.44% of the citizens agreed with the proposal, while 1.56% disagreed (IFES, 2022). The voter turnout during this exercise was 7% in a nation with 93,328,771 registered voters (IFES, 2022). Such an extremely low turnout highlights the need for electoral reform in Mexico.
Conclusion
Electoral reform is necessary for Mexico in light of its challenges. The people have very little confidence in their electoral systems, as evidenced by the low voter turnout. Systemic change is required to restore the citizens’ confidence in the government and its ability to address organized crime. Eliminating corruption is essential to encouraging people to exercise their civic duties.
References
Freedom House. (2023). Mexico: Country profile. Freedom House. Web.
International Foundation for Electoral Systems. (2022). Election guide: United Mexican States. Election Guide. Web.