Mexico's National Electoral Institute named electoral adviser Blanca Cruz as interim president on Oct 27, a day after Guadalupe Taddei resigned amid corruption allegations, with the body due to oversee the 2027 midterm elections.
Mexico's electoral authority has named Blanca Cruz as its interim president, Reuters reported on Tuesday, a day after Guadalupe Taddei resigned as head of the National Electoral Institute amid allegations of irregularities and corruption. The appointment was reported by several local media outlets, according to Reuters.
Cruz, an electoral adviser who joined the institute's General Council in April, will lead the autonomous body until lawmakers name a permanent successor. The institute, known as the INE, organises federal elections and oversees state and local votes across Mexico.
Taddei's departure on Monday was the most high-profile resignation tied to alleged corruption in President Claudia Sheinbaum's two-year-old presidency. Sheinbaum said she supported Taddei's decision and used her daily news conference on Tuesday to press the point that the institute must act transparently and favour no side.
The leadership change comes at a sensitive moment for the INE, which is preparing to oversee Mexico's 2027 midterm elections. A contested or weakened electoral authority risks denting public confidence in that vote, and the interim appointment leaves the question of permanent leadership open for Congress to settle.
Sheinbaum's remarks on Tuesday framed the transition as an opportunity to clean house. Whether Cruz's interim tenure steadies the institute will depend on how quickly lawmakers move on a permanent chief and on what the audit of the institute's contracting produces.
People Sentiments Public Mood: Neutral
- President Claudia Sheinbaum: backed Taddei's decision; said it is a good time for transparency and for no INE department to favour any side
- Reuters assessment: abrupt change could risk damaging the electoral institute's credibility ahead of 2027 midterms
- Local media: reported Cruz's appointment as interim chief (per Reuters)