The fines for Mexican political parties

lilia.saul@eluniversal.com.mx

National political parties have been fined with a total of 1,609 million pesos (about US$88 million) in the last decade, having the Democratic Revolution Party (PRD) on the top of the list.

Exceeding the campaign limits, failing to comply with financial reports and resource expenses, broadcasting spots out of the time allowed, among others, are some of the reasons why the National Electoral Institute (INE) has fined and sanctioned all political institutes.

The PRD has accumulated fines and penalties over the last ten years for 521.71 million pesos (about US$28.5 million), almost the same amount received as public funding in 2015. The Ecologist Green Party of Mexico (PVEM) follows with 309.15 million pesos (US$ 17 million) and the National Action Party (PAN) with 248.73 million pesos (US$13.6 million).

Not far behind is the ruling party PRI with 216.52 million pesos (US$11.8 million) and the Labor Party with 158.30 million pesos (US$8.6 million). The remaining amount of 154.84 million pesos (US$ 8.4 million) in fines is divided between the Convergence, New Alliance, Social Democratic, Citizen Movement, Morena and Social Encounter.

Just a few days before the National Electoral Institute (INE) sends the preliminary draft budget for 2017, the concept of spending for political parties remains one of the major expenses of this electoral body.

Although, the number of fines has not declined in recent years, the political parties continue to violate the electoral law, as most of the fines take months or even years to be paid and when they are deducted from the parties' ministrations, this money means a lower percentage in relation to what they receive annually.

“In electoral matters, he who lives by the sword, dies by the sword," said Patricio Ballados Villagómez, Executive Director of Prerogatives and Political Parties of the INE.

"According to the electoral law, fines can not jeopardize the survival of political parties and so payments are reduced in various ministrations. Although they take time, those who violate the law are responsible." he said in an interview with EL UNIVERSAL.