Politics: After election losses, the PRI needs to redefine its role
What was once Mexico’s indisputably dominant party, the PRI, now faces an uncertain future. How it defines its proposals and outlook and its relation to the Lopez Obrador government will affect the future of the party and possibly Mexican politics as a whole.
Following the results of the June 6 mid-term elections, the PRI now has only four governorships left. It has lost 25 state governments in the past 27 years and did not win a single gubernatorial race three weeks ago. It is now the country’s third party, with about 17.7% of the national vote.
The party faces an identity crisis as its legislators apparently no longer back the reforms enacted during Enrique Peña Nieto presidency. The PRI’s strength historically came from its clientelistic voters base, and AMLO’s social programs have pulled the rug out from under the party, with many members, supporters and even leaders flocking to Morena. This year’s electoral losses have unsurprisingly sparked internal dissent. The absence of any self-criticism of its past or a plan for internal renewal has mired the party in stagnation. Corruption scandals resulting in a slew of PRI governors' going to jail have added to the party’s woes.
The PRI will have another shot at halting its decline in 2022 and 2023 in gubernatorial elections in four states, including in the heavily populated and strategically important State of Mexico. How the party fares could be a prelude to the 2024 presidential race.
However, the need for political definition has now come to a head as President López Obrador openly courts the votes of PRI legislators for his constitutional reforms. The continued presence of the PRI and its legislators in the opposition alliance is key to thwarting AMLO’s plans. In other words, the question is posed point blank as to whether the party and its legislators will remain in the opposition bloc or support the 4T.
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