Morena calls for withdrawal of lawsuit against INE councilors for revocation

In 2021, then-Representative Sergio Gutiérrez Luna filed a complaint with the Internal Control Body (OIC) of the National Electoral Institute (INE) , alleging that the councilors who temporarily suspended the referendum on the recall of Andrés Manuel López Obrador's mandate had abused their powers.

Four years later, Councilor Dania Ravel received a notification from the OIC regarding that complaint, which revived the controversy over whether the legal action could affect the independence of INE members .

Morena's parliamentary coordinator, Ricardo Monreal , asked his fellow party member to withdraw the lawsuit so that the councilors who participated in the suspension of the referendum would not be held responsible.

Monreal recalled that the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judicial Branch had already revoked the suspension, finding that the councilors exceeded their powers. Therefore, he emphasized that "this issue must be resolved," and no further legal consequences should arise.

The INE temporarily suspended the recall referendum due to budget cuts: the Chamber of Deputies allocated only 3.83 billion pesos to carry out the exercise.

Ravel argued that legally pursuing council members for their collective decisions could inhibit the institution's independence and that the INE's Agreements and Resolutions are subject to review by the Electoral Tribunal. This reinforces the need to avoid judicializing administrative or political decisions, protecting the autonomy of the electoral body.

Monreal's call to Gutiérrez Luna reflects Morena's intention to resolve internal conflicts and avoid legal tensions affecting former or current members of the INE.

Historically, recall has been a polarizing issue in Mexico, and the INE's decisions have been subject to public and judicial scrutiny. Withdrawing the lawsuit would contribute to strengthening institutionality and confidence in democratic processes.

Dania Ravel pointed out that the complaint could be interpreted as a means of exerting pressure on the councilors' decisions. To ensure a solid democratic process, it is essential that the INE's decisions be based on legal and technical criteria, not political interests.

Monreal concluded that the withdrawal of the lawsuit is a step toward institutional reconciliation , protecting the INE's autonomy and avoiding unnecessary legal repercussions.