Mexico’s electoral institute rejects rules to track early political spending

Mexico’s National Electoral Institute has rejected proposed rules to track spending on political activities ahead of the 2027 elections.

The vote took place on October 8, after the formal 2026–2027 election process began on September 10.

The proposal would have covered spending on political events, travel, advertising and activities to build public support for potential leaders and candidates.

Supporters said the rules would help identify where the money came from and how it was used, before the election was over.

They said the rules would not automatically make those activities illegal.

Opponents questioned whether the institute needed new rules and raised concerns about its legal powers and the proposal’s wording.

Without specific rules, supporters warned, the spending could be included in parties’ regular accounts, with audit results not available until the second half of 2027.

The proposal did not pass, and the institute’s council members remain divided over how to oversee political activity before formal campaign periods.