Mexico lower house passes amendment on election annulment

Mexico's Chamber of Deputies has approved a constitutional amendment that would allow for the annulment of an election if foreign interference is proven. The measure passed early Thursday with 307 votes in favor, 128 against, and one abstention, following a marathon legislative session. The amendment now moves to the Senate for final approval, a step considered likely given the ruling coalition's majority.

The reform modifies Article 41 of the Constitution, adding "proven foreign interference or intervention" to the existing legal grounds for nullifying an electoral result, which currently include illicit financing and spending violations. The amendment defines foreign interference broadly to encompass illicit financing, propaganda, systematic disinformation, digital manipulation, and intervention by foreign governments or agencies. It also includes acts of political, economic, diplomatic, or media pressure intended to influence public opinion.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has been a vocal supporter of the change, arguing it is necessary to protect national sovereignty. She has stated there is a real risk of foreign interference in Mexican elections, citing past instances of...