Senate Passes Electoral Reform 'Plan B': Cuts INE Budget, Drops Recall Referendum Provision

Mexico's Senate passed the scaled-back electoral reform package on March 26, 2026. The legislation reduces lawmaker perks and trims the INE's operational budget, but dropped the original proposal to constitutionalize the 2027 recall referendum (revocación de mandato) after coalition partners PT and PVEM withheld support. Sheinbaum defended the modified reform at her morning press conference, framing it as a necessary rationalization of electoral spending. Opposition blocs — PAN, PRI, and Movimiento Ciudadano — voted against the measure, arguing it was designed to weaken independent electoral oversight. The compromise outcome revealed the limits of Morena's legislative supermajority when smaller coalition allies defect.