Sheinbaum Warns of Foreign Intervention Risk in 2027 Mexican Elections; Backs Reform

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that there is a "risk of foreign intervention" in the upcoming 2027 elections, endorsing a recent reform approved by the Chamber of Deputies that allows for the annulment of elections proven to involve foreign interference.

During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum directly addressed concerns about external meddling, affirming, "Yes, yes, there can be a risk of foreign intervention in the elections in Mexico." She refuted opposition claims that the ruling party, Morena, is using the reform to consolidate power, arguing instead that all Mexicans should agree on preventing foreign influence in electoral processes. Ricardo Monreal, Morena's coordinator in the Chamber of Deputies, presented the reform, emphasizing its goal to safeguard national sovereignty.

President Sheinbaum pointed to historical precedents of external funding in Mexican politics as justification for the new measures. She specifically referenced the organization "Mexicanos Contra la Corrupción y la Impunidad" (Mexicans Against Corruption and Impunity), alleging it received resources from U.S. institutions via the American embassy. "There has been financing from outside," she stated, adding that "it was demonstrated in the case of Mexicanos contra la Corrupción o por la Corrupción, that they were financed by institutions from the United States through the embassy."

She emphasized the need to reinforce measures against foreign influence, particularly in light of what she described as an "offensive we are seeing from outside." The goal, she asserted, is to guarantee that "only Mexicans decide who governs us." However, Sheinbaum acknowledged that the secondary legislation must clearly define the criteria for proving foreign intervention to avoid subjective interpretations and ensure the law is applied fairly. The reform passed in the Chamber of Deputies opens the possibility of annulling an election if foreign participation or financing in favor of or against candidates is proven.