IAPA urges Mexico’s electoral institute to protect political satire after Morena complaint

The Inter American Press Association has urged Mexico’s electoral authorities to protect political satire after Morena filed a complaint over an artificial intelligence-generated parody of the country’s political class.

Morena asked the National Electoral Institute, known as the INE, to remove publications and suspend content related to “La casa de los Mañosos.” Third parties created the parody, which later appeared in segments broadcast by TV Azteca’s news programs.

The program parodies “La casa de los famosos,” depicting Mexican politicians in comic or simulated situations. TV Azteca did not produce the program, but the channel aired parts of it in its news coverage and said it would continue investigating and questioning those in power.

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raises relevant questions about the limits of electoral authorities’ intervention in satirical, humorous and critical content, particularly when it involves public officials and political actors.

IAPA President Pierre Manigault said the case “raises relevant questions about the limits of electoral authorities’ intervention in satirical, humorous and critical content, particularly when it involves public officials and political actors.” He added that “criticism, satire and political humor are part of democratic debate and should not become subject to institutional censorship, even when they make those in power uncomfortable.”

The press group also recalled an August court decision ordering the INE to remove rules for monitoring indirect disqualifying statements against candidates in the media during the 2027 elections. Mexico will hold federal elections on June 6, 2027, including elections for the Chamber of Deputies, state governorships, local legislatures and municipal governments.

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Criticism, satire and political humor are part of democratic debate and should not become subject to institutional censorship, even when they make those in power uncomfortable.