Breathe
By Stephania Henaro
"Tolerance becomes a crime when you have tolerance for evil" - Thomas Mann
The world knows that State crimes against democracy are the order of the day and that is why Mexico is being watched.
Democratic values in the world have regressed to such an extent that it seems that we are once again witnessing the resurgence of tyrants, and as the 20th century showed us, they emerge simultaneously. As did a Mussolini, a Hitler, a Franco, a Stalin and a Hirohito, fanatic emperor of Japan who bombed Pearl Harbor. Now we have a Netanyahu, a Putin, a Xi Jinping, a Trump and a Mrs. Le Pen in France, as well as a López Obrador, a Castro, a Maduro, an Ortega and a Castillo in Peru.
Ironically, "cheaper by the dozen" could apply here. However, world history has shown that second halves are hardly better than first halves and so it is important to note, that fascism and intolerance are once again making their presence felt on the world's political horizons.
Hence the importance of the global responses to Sunday's march and the advance of President López Obrador's electoral reform, which demonstrate concern about Mexico's potential return to the 20th century, with a weakened and deliberately dependent electoral arbiter.
Coverage in France, Italy, Spain, England, Australia and the United States, among others, demonstrates this. However, it seems to me that for geographic, economic and political reasons, the one that carries the most weight is that of the country that borders Mexico to the north, and this surpasses the space that The Wall Street Journal dedicated to Sunday's march on its front page.
The State Department issued a press release in which, in a very subtle way, it gives a glimpse of what your country thinks:
"Healthy democracies benefit from strong institutions and a plurality of voices. The United States supports independent and well-resourced electoral institutions that strengthen democratic processes and the rule of law.
We have witnessed challenges around the world that are testing the strength of independent electoral and judicial institutions.
Today in Mexico, we see a great debate on electoral reforms related to the independence of electoral and judicial institutions, which illustrate Mexico's vibrant democracy. We respect Mexico's sovereignty. We believe that an independent electoral system with ample resources and respect for judicial independence are conducive to a healthy democracy. "
All of this is of utmost importance because beyond the fact that the United States knows that a weak and undemocratic Mexico will only bring more problems, the message is that Mexico is being watched.
The measures, approved last week by the legislature, will cut the staff of the National Electoral Institute, undermine its autonomy and limit its ability to sanction politicians who break the electoral law. Electoral officials indicate that the modification will also eliminate the majority of workers who directly supervise the vote and set up polling stations throughout the country, and this will make it difficult to guarantee free and fair elections, including next year's presidential race.
Hence the concern of more than a million people who marched on Sunday in Mexico to demonstrate that they will not tolerate a State crime against democracy.
Everything is now in the hands of the Supreme Court.
Last one to leave, turn off the light.
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