Federal Electoral Institute
Overview
The Federal Electoral Institute (FEI) was the autonomous public organization responsible for organizing federal elections in Mexico. This body was replaced by the National Electoral Institute (INE) in 2014. The FEI was created in 1990, following a constitutional reform to ensure fair and transparent elections. It was the first independent electoral body in Mexico, marking a significant step towards democratic consolidation.
History
The Federal Electoral Institute was established in 1990 as a result of the political reforms initiated by President Carlos Salinas de Gortari. These reforms aimed to address the widespread allegations of electoral fraud that had marred previous elections and to restore public confidence in the electoral process. The creation of the FEI represented a significant break from the past, as it was the first time in Mexican history that an independent body was given the responsibility of organizing federal elections.
Structure
The FEI was composed of a General Council, an Executive Board, a Supervisory Board, and a number of specialized commissions. The General Council was the highest decision-making body and was composed of nine councilors, one executive secretary, and representatives from the political parties. The Executive Board was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the institute, while the Supervisory Board was tasked with overseeing the institute's financial management.
Functions
The main function of the FEI was to organize federal elections, which included the elections for the President of the Republic, senators, and deputies. In addition, the institute was responsible for maintaining the Federal Register of Voters, overseeing political parties and their financing, and promoting civic education.
Legacy
The FEI played a crucial role in the democratization of Mexico. It successfully organized several federal elections, which were widely regarded as free and fair. However, the institute was not without its critics, who argued that it was not truly independent and that it was susceptible to political interference. Despite these criticisms, the FEI is generally considered to have made a significant contribution to the strengthening of Mexico's electoral system.