Colima Defends Electoral Reform/System for Precursor Chemicals

Colima’s Governor in Favor of Electoral Reform. Indira Vizcaíno, the Governor of Tamaulipas, said that those who are against President López Obrador’s electoral reform are in reality, rejecting democracy and the vote of the people. In addition, she said that the protest against the reform appears to be a desperate attempt to bolster the struggling opposition parties.

Moreover, Vizcaíno pointed out that some of the opposition’s proposals may appear reasonable, but others lack foundation. The governor argued that reducing the cost of political parties for the public is not an attack on society.

On November 13, thousands of people gathered in cities across the country and at Mexican embassies in cities like Madrid and Los Angeles to defend National Electoral Institute (INE), one Mexico’s democratic institutions created to create fairer election processes. López Obrador said between 50,000 and 60,000 people joined the protest. Nonetheless, organizers estimate the number to be higher than 200,000.

The new electoral reform proposes to change 18 articles and insert seven transitional ones. It seeks to replace INE, eliminate deputies based on proportional representation and reduce the number of federal legislators to 300 deputies and 96 senators, as well as implement electronic voting, among other changes.

COFEPRIS Presents an Integral System for Chemical Substances. Alejandro Svarch, Head of COFEPRIS, presented a strategy to control chemical precursors and protect Mexico’s public health as well as national security. The system aims to trace the entry of chemical precursors in the Mexican market and avoid them being used illicitly for the illegal manufacturing of drugs.

The system features a digital platform and enables the management of substances with live follow-ups regarding the use of these chemicals. Svarch added that companies will be able to carry out their requests digitally more efficiently and transparently. In addition, the system will enhance interactions with the authorities of other countries to validate import permits.