Mexican voters back president to stay in power in recall election
AxiosJul 28, 2022
The Facts
On Sun., Mexico's President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) won a recall referendum he supported to determine whether he should step down or complete his six-year term.
Although roughly 90% of the voters backed AMLO, the turnout was less than 20%, well below the 40% required to be binding.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Not only was the referendum an ego-boosting and money-wasting stunt, but it also attacks the legitimacy of the INE - the national autonomous electoral authority - which was key to ending autocratic rule in the country. AMLO and his supporters attempted to undermine democracy in Mexico by disobeying the rules and accusing the INE of not promoting the referendum.
Pro-establishment narrative
Referendums are crucial for strengthening Mexico's democracy by holding executive power accountable during the 6-year presidential term. Future presidents should continue to promote recall votes; remaining in office without being backed by the nation may be legal but it's not democratic.