Maintaining trust in Mexico's INE is a collective task, says counselor Blanca Cruz García

Maintaining public trust in Mexico's National Electoral Institute (INE) is a collective task, according to Blanca Cruz García, a counselor at the institution. García, who started her career with the INE 15 years ago, working in the Mixtec region of Puebla, believes citizen confidence is vital for Mexican democracy. Her appointment to the INE's General Council faced media attention, with some questioning her proximity to the ruling Morena party.

Reflecting on her initial months, García described the challenge of quickly immersing herself in the INE's operations and decision-making processes, particularly in preparation for the 2026 and 2027 electoral cycles. She anticipates complexities in the upcoming intermediate elections, which involve not only federal deputy races but also coordination between the INE and state electoral bodies (OPLEs). Seventeen states will elect governors, requiring precise coordination mechanisms.

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The INE is an institution that has been strengthening itself over decades, with specialized personnel, not only in central systems but also in its delegations and sub-delegations, and it accumulates many years of experience; it is the great backbone and the strength of this Institute.

Addressing criticisms that the INE is co-opted by political power, García defended the institution as a robust entity strengthened over decades, with specialized personnel nationwide. She views diversity of opinion as natural in a democracy and asserts that the INE must demonstrate its commitment to citizens through daily work and electoral organization. Ultimately, she stated, the INE serves only the interest of strengthening democracy in Mexico, with its legitimacy rooted in its actions rather than political discourse.

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We must also consider that it is natural for there to be a diversity of opinions; that is living in a democracy. What should we do in the face of these criticisms? Demonstrate through daily work, through our decision-making, through the organization of elections that we deliver to the citizens. Let them know that the National Electoral Institute only obeys the interest of the citizens: the strengthening of democracy in our country.