Opposition figures and Morena's candidates for governor have rejected the State Electoral Institute's (IEEPC) intention to hold working meetings to apply gender criteria in the next election. LPO reported that IEEPC was expected to hold these meetings at the end of the year, which concerns the candidates for the 2027 nomination. PAN coordinator Carlos de la Fuente stated that the decisions made by IEEPC are not definitive, as the Congress's legislative work on the electoral reform, proposed last October, remains pending. "If we legislate on this matter, it will be established, but if not, there is room for the IEEPC, at the INE's instruction, to set the guidelines," said De la Fuente. Meanwhile, the mayor of Escobedo, Andrés Mijes, was more blunt in demanding that there be no exclusion due to gender quotas, citing President Claudia Sheinbaum as an example, who "won on her merit and not on affirmative action." Senator Waldo Fernández, one of the critics, assured that these meetings are not legislatively binding. "I wouldn't dare to disapprove of them, but they are not binding," said the senator. He also emphasized that while the IEE has the authority to hold these meetings, the only body competent to make changes is the Superior Chamber of the Federation. The right to vote and be voted for is also at stake. In Morena and the opposition, it is believed that this decision by the IEEPC is a last-ditch effort by the Palacio de Cantera to establish statutes for the 2027 elections. "I have always set an example: we have a president of Mexico who did not need affirmative action, who faced men and won thanks to her capacity, preparation, and vocation. Ultimately, this is a matter that will have to be seen if there is a Law Reform, if there is no reform to the Electoral Law, then the INE will ask the IEEPC to set the guidelines. I hope there is no exclusion only on the issue of gender," added the mayor. Although the ball is in the court of the Congress and the IEEPC, I urge a balance between fundamental rights. In my opinion, they are dialogue tables, but based on the law, they are not binding, but of course, they can lead to something."
