Massive crowds fill Mexico City's main square, rallying to support the National Electoral Institute amid fears of President Lopez Obrador's attempts to weaken it ahead of the upcoming presidential election. Organizers claim 700,000 attendees, marking a significant protest against the president's proposed constitutional reforms. Discrepancies in turnout figures persist.
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00:00 On Sunday, Mexico City's main square witnessed a massive gathering in support of the nation's
00:10 electoral authority amidst concern that President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, also known as
00:16 Zamblo, is attempting to undermine it ahead of the upcoming presidential election in June.
00:22 The protest, part of a series aimed at safeguarding the National Electoral Institute, also known
00:27 as INE, was prompted by Lopez Obrador's submission of extensive constitutional reforms to Congress,
00:34 which includes restructuring the INE.
00:38 Organizers claimed a turnout of 700,000 people, potentially marking one of the largest demonstrations
00:44 against Lopez Obrador as his term nears its end.
00:48 However, the Mexico City government, controlled by Lopez Obrador's Morena party, reported
00:54 only 90,000 attendees.
00:56 Discrepancies in turnout figures have been observed in previous pro-INE protests as well.
01:02 Lopez Obrador's intentions behind the proposed reforms have been transparent seeking to shape
01:07 the discourse before the crucial June 2 elections, where his political successor, Claudia Schoenbaum,
01:13 is anticipated to emerge victorious.
01:17 While the president has downplayed the likelihood of most of reforms being enacted before elections,
01:22 one proposed change involves transforming the INE into National Institute of Elections
01:27 and Consultations.
01:28 This move would entail absorbing the country's local electoral bodies, reducing the number
01:33 of councillors within the INE and introducing popular elections for electoral judges.
01:39 Former INE head Lorenzo Cordova addressed the crowd denouncing the government's efforts
01:43 to undermine autonomous institutions and warning of a concerted attack on these pillars of
01:49 democracy.
01:51 Lopez Obrador, meanwhile, has openly expressed his disdain for the INE, accusing it of orchestrating
01:56 his defeats in the previous presidential bids.
02:00 Protesters accused Lopez Obrador of attempting to consolidate power within his party's government
02:05 by meddling with the electoral process, although the president has assured he will abide by
02:10 the election results.
02:12 The demonstrations also served as a platform to criticize other aspects of Lopez Obrador's
02:16 administration, such as the alleged failure to address pervasive violence and social spending
02:21 programs.
02:22 The gathering underscores the deep-seated concerns among segments of Mexican populace
02:27 regarding the erosion of democratic institutions and concentration of power in the handling
02:32 of the ruling party.
02:34 As the country approaches a pivotal election juncture, the protests reflect a fervent desire
02:38 to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and safeguard democratic principles.
02:44 [Protesters chanting] "No to the dictatorship!"
03:00 [BLANK_AUDIO]