The National Electoral Institute is facing difficulties due to a resource shortage just 10 days before the start of the judicial campaigns. This has led to problems in carrying out preparatory activities for the elections, highlighting the deficiencies caused by an incomplete and contradictory regulatory framework.
One of the main current issues is the lack of data at polling places and the absence of the Preliminary Electoral Results Program (PREP). This has generated speculation and doubts that could affect the credibility and authenticity of the elections. Although the results will be processed by district councilors, who are citizens, the current operational model does not provide for the scrutiny and counting of the votes by the citizens who make up the polling places.
Additionally, with the inclusion of the local election in Nayarit and Yucatán, the INE is pressured to ensure transparency in the results of the pending elections. The revocation of the single campaign spending cap by the Court has added complexity to the process, requiring consideration of the particularities of each election and the number of voters in the region.
Due to the request for a budget of 13 billion 205 million pesos by the INE in 2024, financial issues have been under discussion, especially after receiving criticism from various sectors for considering it excessive. Despite obtaining a budget expansion of 800 million pesos, the INE is limited in its resources to organize the elections, which could delay district counting by up to twelve days after the elections.
In summary, the INE will be forced to conduct elections with a reduced budget, which only covers basic aspects such as setting up polling places, printing ballots, and partially hiring necessary logistical staff. Economic difficulties have generated tensions with various sectors, with no satisfactory solution found thus far.
