The General Council of the National Electoral Institute (INE) has determined a cap of 220,326 pesos for the personal campaign expenses of candidates for judges, magistrates, and ministers. This measure is based on what is established by the General Law on Electoral Institutions and Procedures, in its article 522, which states that the limits cannot exceed the individual contribution limit that independent candidates for congressional seats can receive.
The personal expenses for the judicial election include printed propaganda, spots and promotions for social media, media training courses, content creation, as well as any other resources allocated for the campaign. Additionally, expenses related to travel, accommodation, meals, transfers, fuel, and support staff are considered.
Councilor Carla Humphrey, chair of the Audit Commission, expressed her disagreement with the measure taken by the INE, arguing that a single spending cap does not reflect the reality of campaign activities. In turn, Councilor Dania Ravel highlighted that the single cap ensures equitable conditions by preventing greater inequalities among candidates.
On the other hand, Councilor Claudia Zavala emphasized that since public and private financing is not allowed for candidates in the judicial election, the single cap functions as a "leveler" that equalizes the situation to that of an independent candidacy. However, Councilor Ucc-kib Espadas Ancona showed his disapproval of the proposal, indicating that there should be differentiated spending caps based on the position for which they are running, suggesting lower limits for magistrates and judges.
