Thermoelectric plant sparks off a conflict

In the past and in recent years, Mexico has been taken hostage by demonstrations led by social groups, which end up becoming violent and end in the midst of repression . This weekend, protestors in Morelos, Puebla, and Tlaxcala burnt ballots and official propaganda during a referendum on the construction of a thermoelectric plant that will be located in Huexca, Morelos . Thousands of demonstrators , members of the People's Front in Defense of Land and Water, are against the project.

The rejection of the Morelos' Comprehensive Project , which includes the construction of the thermoelectric plant in Huexca, an aqueduct , and a 160-kilometers-long gas pipeline , is nothing new. This plan exists since 2011 when Felipe Calderón was President; during Peña Nieto 's presidency, it was announced the plan would continue but it was never implemented.

Now, the federal government aims to implement it despite the rejection expressed by several communities close to Huexca ; the government organized a referendum on Saturday and Sunday. The results show a polarized society : 59.5% voted yes, and 40.1% voted no . President López Obrador has acknowledged the division atmosphere in the region.

This time, there are many reasons to assert that in order for the thermoelectric plant to operate, something besides a referendum or the offering of social benefits is needed.

According to those who oppose the project, in the municipalities that will be affected by the thermoelectric plant , people voted against the project. The People's Front did not recognize the results and threatened to block and take over roads . The participation in the referendum was minimum: despite the fact that Morelos' electoral roll consists of 1 ,444,000 voters, only 33,000 voted in favor of the project; therefore, only over 2% of the voters decided on the project. Also, the opposition has filed for and been awarded protective actions against the project.

Among the affected communities , the biggest fear is pollution, water shortage , and that the gas pipeline that will transport methane gas for the thermoelectric plant is a high-risk project because it is located in a seismic zone . A way to dispel these fear is, as suggested by the President , to involve the population and international organizations in the project,

The unrest generated by the thermoelectric plant could reach critical levels. The best way to prevent social conflicts is by setting up a dialogue between both parties.

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