Changing political party rules in Mexico

The political heat generated by the 2006 elections when Felipe Calderón won the Mexican presidency by a margin of only 0.5 % over the rival leftist candidate ensured that pressure for greater fairness and transparency in the electoral system could not be ignored. Shortly afterwards the Senate embarked on an ambitious programme of political and electoral reform which Congress adopted by the end of 2007.

To begin this process the Senate needed specialized comparative knowledge on electoral matters and, in March 2007, invited International IDEA to assist by providing technical expertise on these issues. The cooperation focused on two priorities: strengthening Mexico’s electoral institutions, and injecting greater transparency into the financing of political parties.

Within a few months of signing a cooperation agreement, a Senate Committee and IDEA brought together specialists on party financing from across Latin America to address the reform agenda. The initial “Mexico City” seminar held in August 2007 was followed by a series of one-to-one meetings between Mexican legislators and IDEA staff that facilitated their efforts to work through the various options.

As the work progressed, politicians were able to weigh the advantages and disadvantages of each proposal. International IDEA further facilitated the discussions among legislators who grappled with the question of political advertising in election campaigns – whether to use a model of buying free airtime in electronic media, or forbid it completely in all media, or only allow it in electronic media – and what types of sanctions need to be applied to those not complying with the rules.

“IDEA’s approach was a consultative one, presenting several possibilities,” said Daniel Zovatto, IDEA Director for Latin America based in Costa Rica. “Lawmakers,” according to Zovatto, “were able to pluck what they judged most suitable for their own realities.”

And, as a result, the rules of the game changed substantially – parties were no longer able to purchase advertising in the broadcast media, which levelled the playing field and subverted the impact of money flowing into party treasures from illicit sources. It also meant that parties had to campaign more vigorously in communities across Mexico, ensuring greater contact with the concerns of ordinary Mexican voters.

The reform package was successfully tested in the 2009 federal mid term elections. Afterwards, the Mexican electoral authorities organized a seminar with support from International IDEA to assess the new laws. The assessment suggested that the legislation needed to be adjusted to improve monitoring of radio and television, and the sanctioning powers of the electoral bodies needed strengthening.

The relationship between Mexico and IDEA continues to this day and, in 2010, Senate President Carlos Navarrete is working to extend the Senate’s partnership with International IDEA to secure the Institute’s ongoing assistance to the country’s future political reform processes.