In light of the irregularities committed by the former presiding councilor of the National Electoral Institute (INE), Guadalupe Taddei, investigations by the Federal Superior Audit Office (ASF) must lead to the determination of accountability, based on a thorough review of her administrative management. Emphasizing that her administration will not cover up anyone’s corruption, President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged that she had previously expressed approval of Taddei—specifically for her decision to lower her own salary—but noted, “You might have an opinion of someone, only to be betrayed when they turn out to be something else; that does not mean we will cover up any irregularities.” She was unequivocal: “Guadalupe Taddei betrayed the trust of the people of Mexico.”
Addressing the controversy surrounding the INE, and responding to a question about whether the “superpowers” granted to Taddei by Congress might be revoked through reform, Sheinbaum stated that the feasibility of such electoral changes would need to be assessed, as they could potentially conflict with constitutional prohibitions. However, she added that if Congress deems it legally viable, her administration would be in agreement.
Furthermore, the President called for an investigation into a network of companies that, for decades, have secured contracts to produce electoral stationery. She urged an end to this duopoly, which has corrupted—or continues to corrupt—the bidding processes for electoral materials managed by the INE and local electoral institutes. “All of this must be reviewed.” “There have been many electoral reforms in the country, yet these companies have remained and continue to operate through all of them.”
For Sheinbaum, this situation is even more serious than the sweeping powers granted to Taddei. She emphasized that, “beyond the irregularities committed by the president of the Electoral Institute—which necessitate a thorough audit and a formal determination of accountability—there can be no cover-up of corruption; that is absolutely out of the question.”
The leader condemned the monopolistic practices of these companies, which must be investigated, noting that some of them do not even have employees, yet they still secure contracts.
“These companies, which have been around for over 20 years, are essentially ‘fixers’ [coyotes]. We are calling on the Superior Audit Office to conduct a full investigation. They are the ones that have carved up the contracts for electoral stationery among themselves for years, effectively forming a duopoly—two or three companies, many of which don’t even have any employees. In short, they are mere intermediaries that have been contracted by the INE [National Electoral Institute] and various state-level electoral bodies.”
In this context, she requested that audits cover not only Taddei’s tenure but the entire period leading up to it—a period that allowed for rigged bidding processes designed to ensure these same companies always won—so that accountability can be established for the entire duration.
Consequently, she reiterated her position that *Talleres Gráficos de México* (Mexico’s state-owned printing agency) should be strengthened and transformed into a formal state enterprise, complete with its own board of directors and external oversight. This would enable it to produce all electoral materials, while also allowing for a more diverse range of companies to participate in the production of other supplies, such as the vests worn by INE field staff. She announced that she would present a formal proposal for this transformation next week.
“She [Taddei] bears responsibilities, and it is up to the Superior Audit Office to determine the extent of them.” But she has been involved since 2014, coming from Sonora alongside (Guillermo) Padrés. Furthermore, her position is endorsed by the entire National Electoral Institute (INE)—by all its councilors, as well as those serving on state-level electoral councils.
“In my view, this should lead to a better electoral system,” especially given that the same individuals remained in place for twenty years—and it wasn’t just Guadalupe Taddei. Along with this, we must put an end to the exorbitant salaries, the trust funds, and the excessive spending and privileges that existed within the INE. That is my opinion. While there are autonomous bodies tasked with making such decisions, “there cannot be even a shadow of corruption within the INE. Everything—absolutely everything—must be made transparent, including looking back at the past.” One cannot simply claim that nothing happened; “things did happen, and the ASF [Federal Audit Office] must take action, for the good of Mexico.”
