The National Regeneration Movement’s (Morena) coordinator in the Chamber of Deputies, Ignacio Mier Velazco. Photo: Google

By KELIN DILLON

Ignacio Mier Velazco, the in-power National Regeneration Movement’s (Morena) coordinator in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies, claimed the country’s opposition parties are attempting to boycott and “derail” August’s public referendum, which Morena proposed to determine whether or not Mexico’s former presidents should be prosecuted for their alleged crimes

“Today we see how the rightwing parties, the National Electoral Institute (INE) and power groups are agreeing to boycott the popular consultation,” Mier Velazco said in a statement on Monday, July 19. “They are afraid that people will have a greater participation in the political life of Mexico. They fear losing privileges and opt for the false information to continue with his cloak of impunity.” 

He also said that “the enemies of democracy are those who bet on the failure of the popular consultation, those who under any circumstances will prevent people from deciding and participating.” 

Mier Velazco claimed the INE should instead focus on achieving a 40 percent participation level in the country, which would make the vote’s result, if a yes, completely binding.

The Morena official likewise noted his party would focus all its efforts on promoting the referendum and ensuring a wide turnout.

“We are going to work to make this consultation a success,” said Mier Velazco.

The referendum is set to be held nationwide in Mexico on Aug. 1.