Lawmakers in Mexico selected a woman to lead the National Electoral Institute (INE), which is embroiled in a dispute with President Andres Manuel López Obrador.
Guadalupe Taddei, 59, will succeed Lorenzo Cordova under intense political scrutiny, including the president’s attempts to reduce the INE’s budget and number of staff.
Taddei, who was selected by a lottery, is connected to a number of the president’s political appointments, although López Obrador highlighted that he did not know her personally.
At a news conference after her selection, he said, “I do not know her, but her family consists of progressive, democratic, and honest individuals.”
He noted, “She is an experienced woman,” adding that she had spent three decades at the INE.
Taddei will administer the presidential elections of 2024.
Last month, massive protests were organized all throughout the country in reaction to the adoption of the contentious INE amendments. Nevertheless, early this month the Supreme Court heard arguments against the modification, which may postpone implementation forever.
Opponents contend that the amendments give the government more control over the INE, despite López Obrador’s assertions that they enhance democracy and reduce the influence of economic interests in politics.
