Morena senator proposes dual-nationality restrictions for Senate candidates

Morena Senator Laura Estrada Mauro has introduced an initiative that would impose a “reinforced nationality regime” on people seeking Mexico’s presidency, a governorship, the Mexico City government or a seat in the Senate.

The proposal, published in the Parliamentary Gazette, would require candidates who possess or have been assigned another nationality to expressly renounce exercising it before taking office. They would also have to complete the legal acts available to formalize that renunciation.

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Reinforced nationality regime

The restrictions would apply during the candidacy and throughout the term of office. Covered officials would have to refrain from exercising political rights derived from another nationality, invoking foreign diplomatic protection, using foreign documents to present themselves as nationals of another state, or voluntarily acquiring another nationality.

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The present initiative proposes establishing a reinforced constitutional regime that requires, for the exercise of the function, an exclusive nationality link with the Mexican state.

The initiative seeks constitutional amendments to Articles 31, 58, 82, 116 and 122. It explicitly extends the nationality requirement to people seeking membership in the Senate, establishing an exclusive nationality link with the Mexican state for offices tied to national leadership, state representation, foreign policy, national security and international relations.

The proposal states that it would not remove Mexicans’ general right to hold dual or multiple nationalities. Instead, it would limit the stricter condition to people who voluntarily pursue certain constitutional responsibilities. The initiative says those officials must exercise their duties under an unequivocally Mexican nationality link.

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The proposal fully preserves the right of Mexican women and men to possess dual or multiple nationality.