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Related Materials Invitation Multimedia Download Audio(01:57:03) Event Information Time February 15, 2008 9:00-11:00 am Location B1 Conference Room Center for Strategic and International Studies 1800 K St. N.W., Washington, D.C.

In the wake of the disputed 2006 presidential election, the Mexican Congress passed a fiercely debated electoral reform bill in September 2007. The bill amended the Mexican Constitution and modified the federal electoral code (COFIPE)—through which all federal elections in Mexico are regulated. Some areas which were reformed pertained to political campaigns and primaries, the organization and role of political parties, public campaign finance, the role of the media, as well as punitive measures. Supporters of the bill argued that the electoral reform strengthens Mexican electoral democracy, particularly from the standpoint of limiting the influence of money and interests groups in Mexican elections. Critics of the bill argued that it limits civil liberties and political rights of Mexican citizens, and strengthens the control of the major political parties. The bill, which went into effect on January 14, 2008, will regulate the 2009 mid-term and 2012 presidential elections.

 

Sergio Sarmiento, columnist at Reforma newspaper; Jeffrey Weldon, professor at the ITAM; and Raúl �vila, professor at UNAM discussed these events and answered questions from the audience.