INE Sets Campaign Guidelines for Judicial Elections, Prohibiting Lavish Events
The National Electoral Institute (INE) is actively shaping the upcoming judicial elections by establishing clear guidelines for candidates. According to a recent announcement reported by Yiree Escobar of Grupo Milenio, the INE is implementing measures to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the electoral process. One of the most significant aspects of these guidelines is the prohibition of campaign events featuring elaborate setups, professional sound systems, or large tents. This move is aimed at leveling the playing field and preventing candidates with greater financial resources from gaining an unfair advantage.
Restrictions on Campaign Events and Activities
The INE's regulations, as detailed by Escobar (2025), place specific restrictions on the types of events candidates can hold. Events that involve costly infrastructure, such as stages, professional audio equipment, or large tents, are strictly prohibited. This is being actively enforced to curb excessive spending and promote a more equitable campaign environment. This decision reflects the INE’s commitment to ensuring that all candidates, regardless of their financial backing, have an equal opportunity to present their platforms and connect with voters.
Permitted Campaign Activities
While restrictions are in place for certain types of events, the INE is also actively encouraging candidates to engage with the public through alternative means. According to the guidelines, candidates are actively permitted to participate in forums, university discussions, podcasts, and dialogues, as long as these activities do not incur costs for the campaign. This allows candidates to connect with voters through substantive discussions and debates.
The INE’s guidelines also address the use of various communication channels. Candidates are actively allowed to maintain YouTube channels, websites, and social media profiles. However, they are actively prohibited from paying to increase their reach through advertising or sponsored content. This measure is designed to prevent candidates from buying their way to victory and ensure that voters are influenced by the merits of the candidates themselves rather than the size of their advertising budget.
Use of Megaphones and Printed Materials
The regulations explicitly address the permitted means of amplifying a candidate's voice. Megaphones and non-professional speakers are actively allowed for use in open-air meetings, provided that these meetings are non-onerous and do not involve significant expenditures or elaborate setups. Furthermore, candidates are actively permitted to distribute printed propaganda on biodegradable paper. This promotes environmentally responsible campaigning while still allowing candidates to disseminate information to voters. According to the INE, candidates can actively wear shirts or clothing with their names, but they are actively prohibited from providing uniforms to their support teams.
Security Measures and Vehicle Restrictions
Addressing security concerns, the INE is actively allowing candidates to use armored vehicles and security personnel, acknowledging the security challenges in the country. However, candidates who choose to use security details are required to actively inform the relevant authorities about their security arrangements. Conversely, candidates are actively prohibited from using vehicle wraps, wall paintings, billboards, or promotional items. These restrictions further limit the avenues for excessive spending and help maintain a level playing field among candidates.
Ensuring Equity and Transparency
According to a statement by a council member of the INE, the measures are actively designed to protect the principle of equity in the competition and ensure transparency in the use of resources (Escobar, 2025). The INE is actively committed to not only regulating and overseeing the electoral process but also actively supporting it to ensure its integrity. The INE firmly believes that these measures are essential to ensure that this unprecedented judicial election process unfolds in an orderly, legal, and transparent manner, thereby fostering public trust. This commitment is actively reflected in the stringent regulations and oversight mechanisms being implemented.
Looking Ahead
As the judicial election campaigns progress, the INE is actively monitoring compliance with these guidelines and is actively prepared to address any violations. The focus is on ensuring that the election is conducted fairly and transparently. This proactive approach will help safeguard the integrity of the electoral process and ensure that the outcome reflects the true will of the electorate.
Reference
Escobar, Y. (2025, March 29). Consejo General del INE aprueba lineamientos de campaña para elección judicial. Milenio. Retrieved from https://www.milenio.com/politica/ine-aprueba-lineamientos-para-campanas-a-eleccion-judicial
