Electoral Reform/Alternatives to Glyphosate

Electoral Reform. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador said that since many political parties plan to vote against his electoral reform, a legal reform will be presented to protect the country's democracy. “Many parties do not want to support the reform because their budget will be reduced. However, despite their lack of support, the electoral reform will be carried out. It should be noted that this type of reform is not unconstitutional.”

Last week, thousands of people gathered in cities across the country and at Mexican embassies in cities like Madrid and Los Angeles to defend Mexico’s democratic institutions. 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 president argued that those who marched are against his plan to transform the country and that they are only using the National Electoral Institute (INE) as an excuse.

The electoral reform proposes to change 18 articles and insert seven transitional ones. It seeks to replace the National Electoral Institute (INE), eliminate plurinominal deputies, reduce the number of federal legislators to 300 deputies and 96 senators, while implementing electronic voting, among other changes. Last week, the president assured that if the reform was not approved, he would propose an amendment to the electoral law that does not require the approval of two-thirds of Congress.

Alternatives to Glyphosate. President López Obrador said the CONACYT is looking for alternatives to replace glyphosate. “It is important to support these efforts because transnational companies use large amounts of glyphosate, they do not care about the health of consumers, they just want to make money.”

The glyphosate herbicide has been subject to controversy over recent years with respect to its alleged negative impact on human health and the environment. Grupo Consultor de Mercados Agricolas (GCMA) recognizes the controversy around the product and says that its replacement is desirable. Last year, the Association for Protection of Crops, Science and Technology warned that the ban on glyphosate used in Mexico could deal a hard blow to production causing a decrease of up to 40 percent in corn and bean production. Other crops, such as chili, tomato, citrus and coffee, would also be impacted.

Risk of vapers.  President López Obrador said that although the Mexican government has campaigned strongly against the use of vapers due to their health risk, young people continue to use them. "We want our population not to have serious health problems in the future."

Products related to nicotine and tobacco such as e-cigarettes have seen an increase in supply and demand. As of Aug. 15, 2022, seven countries in Latin America have banned the sales of these products, including Mexico. On May 31, 2022, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador signed an agreement to ban the circulation and marketing of vapers and e-cigarettes in the country, saying that up to 45 percent of children and young adults are familiar with vapers and 6.5 percent of them have already tried these products at least once. According to government data, more than 72,000 vapers have been seized since the prohibition decree took effect. The decision to ban e-cigarettes has been met with criticism from industry insiders who argue that the black market will become stronger and that the ban runs counter to free-market competition.