He Electoral Institute of Mexico City (IECM) lives immersed in a crossroads due to the selection process of magistrates, judges y ministers that it will be “a much more complex election” than the one experienced on June 2, said the counselor Ernesto Ramos Mega.
“In 2024 we print 25 million ballots for three electionsincluding mayors. Now there may be many more elections for judges and magistrates. That will of course far exceed the tickets that we print for an election ordinary”, He explained in an interview with 24 HOURS.
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“Our main challenge, even more than the budget, is time. It is our scarcest resource and where we have the greatest concern. The sooner we have these definitions, the sooner we can begin to make life planning for election day and guarantee that it is functional and successful,” he explained.
Added to the challenge of time, the Judiciary It will be “a much more complex election” than the one on June 2, since each matter to be voted on must be multiplied by the 8 million people that make up the electoral roll, for printing ballotshe added.
“In 2024 we print 25 million ballots for three elections, including the mayoralties. Now there may be many more elections for judges and magistrates. That will of course be overcome with you grow the tickets that we printed for an ordinary election,” he reiterated.
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Looking ahead to the first election of the Judicial Branch, the IECM installed a Working Group focused on preparatory activities for the organization and monitoring of the eventual election.
“It is going to be a slower process than in this year’s election, we are not going to have PREP or quick counts and since there are so many subjects and candidacies we are not going to have results as quickly as we are used to (…) they could be, at least , about 15 ballots for the local election. To that number we have to add the federal election ballots provided by the INE”, he detailed.
You must be very transparent, both with the City Government and with Congress, so that they know that the decisions they are going to make at the regulatory level are going to have an impact in terms of time, budget, protocols, for the organization. , he pointed out.
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How is the Electoral Institute of Mexico City ensuring voter engagement and transparency in the upcoming elections?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Ernesto Ramos Mega, Counselor of the Electoral Institute of Mexico City (IECM)
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Ramos Mega. The upcoming elections in 2024 certainly seem to pose a unique set of challenges. Can you elaborate on why this election cycle is more complex than the previous one held on June 2?
Ernesto Ramos Mega: Absolutely. This election promises to be significantly more complicated due to the inclusion of multiple candidates across various tiers of the judiciary. We are not just electing mayors; we are also selecting magistrates, judges, and ministers. This drastically increases the volume of ballots and the logistical coordination required on our end.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned printing 25 million ballots. How are you preparing for the possibility of exceeding that number due to additional elections for judges and magistrates?
Ernesto Ramos Mega: Our preparations are multi-faceted. While 25 million ballots might seem like a monumental task in itself, if we add more elections into the mix, production logistics will have to adapt rapidly. It means our printing facilities must be ready, and our distribution strategies must be optimized. We want to ensure that every voter is able to participate fully.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of logistics, you’ve mentioned that time is your scarcest resource. Could you explain the implications of this time constraint on your planning?
Ernesto Ramos Mega: Certainly. With tight deadlines, any delays in the decision-making process or uncertainties can have cascading effects on our operations. Our utmost priority is to start planning for election day as soon as possible. This includes everything from ensuring the correct materials are printed to securing polling locations and training staff. The earlier we finalize the election formats, the more efficiently we can roll out our plans.
Time.news Editor: Besides logistical challenges, are there any other factors that you believe could impact the success of these elections?
Ernesto Ramos Mega: Yes, public engagement is crucial. With elections that affect legal and judicial positions, we want to ensure that voters are informed about whom they are electing and the responsibilities that come with those roles. Greater transparency and outreach can empower citizens to make informed choices. Coupled with this, we must also ensure that all election processes are secure and fair, which is another layer of complexity given the number of positions and candidates involved.
Time.news Editor: As we move closer to the elections, what do you believe is the key to ensuring a successful electoral process in 2024?
Ernesto Ramos Mega: Communication and planning are paramount. We need a coordinated effort involving all stakeholders to ensure that we are prepared for the scale of the election. By engaging with the public, ensuring transparency, and being adaptable in our planning, we can work toward a successful electoral process. Ultimately, we want voters to feel confident and empowered to participate.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Mr. Ramos Mega, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that while the road ahead may be fraught with challenges, the IECM is diligently working to navigate them for a successful 2024 electoral cycle.
Ernesto Ramos Mega: Thank you for having me. We’re committed to making this election a positive experience for all involved.