INE censures call not to vote in judicial elections

The president of the National Electoral Institute (INE), Guadalupe Taddei, warned that, like the distribution of "accordions" favoring certain candidates, calls to not vote are also electoral crimes.

"Without a doubt, facing the massive existence of voting guides, voting instructions, and voting accordions—facing this fact in itself represents a challenge for the National Institute, but so does facing those who are invited not to vote, not to participate. That, that is also an electoral crime," he emphasized during the session of the INE's General Council.

After the approval of precautionary measures to prevent the distribution of "accordions" for voting for specific candidates next Sunday, June 1, the head of the INE asserted that those who coerce or induce voting at the polling station, as well as those who attempt to inhibit voting, are committing an electoral crime.

"To those who at this time would attempt or plan to continue circulating these voting guides, known as accordions, I urge you to stop this type of activity, which does nothing to benefit the electoral process. But also, to those who insist that we shouldn't go out to vote, I urge you to remain silent and respect the wishes of those who will vote," he reiterated.

Novel phenomenon

The chief counselor also acknowledged that the "accordions" represent a novel phenomenon for the INE, both during election campaigns and during the closed period, "because yes, we have agreed that this constitutes electoral propaganda; its use is acceptable during the campaign period, but not during the closed period."

It was also stated that this institute will thoroughly review all cases that may arise, with complete thoroughness and meticulousness.

"We cannot discuss specific facts because we have not confirmed them as such (...) The two complaints we have processed to date give us the opportunity to inform the competent authority responsible for conducting these investigations within their own jurisdiction," the chief counselor stated.

However, he also requested that the total number of demarcation letters received to date by the INE be disclosed.

"As of this writing, according to the information provided to me, we have 101 demarcation documents. Therefore, I request that you include those received to date under the same terms as those already included in this Draft Agreement."