Thousands March In Protest Of Proposed Electoral Changes

Tens of thousands of people have protested President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s plan to change Mexico’s electoral system, reports Reuters.

The proposal, put forward in April, would allow citizens to elect electoral authorities, reducing the influence of economic interests. It would also cut financing for political parties and limit advertising time.

Opponents say the reforms would give the president more control over the electoral system.

Lawmakers began discussing the proposal last week.

Lopez Obrador has long criticized electoral authorities, including blaming them for his losses in the 2006 and 2012 presidential elections.

On Sunday, around 50,000 protesters gathered in Mexico City to demonstrate against the proposal. Demonstrations were reported in other cities around the country.

Lopez Obrador’s ruling Morena party and its allies would need a two-thirds majority in Congress to implement the plan. The party is currently short of that majority.