The decision to implement affirmative actions in Mexico City’s electoral processes from 2017 to 2024 was lauded as a crucial step towards a more inclusive democracy. These measures, designed to address historical underrepresentation, have indeed broadened the political landscape, ensuring a greater presence of young people, indigenous communities, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, Afro-Mexicans, and older adults in public office. However, a comprehensive study by El Colegio de México (Colmex) reveals a critical distinction: while descriptive and symbolic representation has soared, substantive influence for these groups remains largely elusive.
Descriptive vs. Substantive Representation: A Critical Divide
The Colmex study, spanning three electoral cycles (2017-2018, 2020-2021, and 2023-2024), was commissioned by the Electoral Institute of Mexico City (IECM) to evaluate the effectiveness of these affirmative actions. Its findings, detailed in a 702-page report, highlight a significant increase in the nomination and election of individuals from Priority Attention Groups (PAGs). This indicates a success in what researchers term ‘descriptive representation’ – the literal presence of diverse groups in elected positions.
However, the study critically points out that this numerical increase does not automatically translate into ‘substantive representation.’ Substantive representation implies that elected officials from these groups not only hold office but also actively influence policy decisions and legislative agendas in a way that genuinely benefits the communities they represent. The research suggests that while the door to political participation has been opened wider, the ability of these groups to truly shape public policy remains constrained.
Challenges to Effective Influence
Dr. Willibald Sonnleitner, a research professor at Colmex, emphasized that the study bridges previous research and provides crucial evidence on the evolution of democratic representation for PAGs in Mexico City. He highlighted the complex relationship between descriptive and substantive representation, suggesting that while affirmative actions have been effective in increasing visibility, other factors are at play in determining actual influence.
These factors include political experience, the support of political parties, and the ability of elected officials to effectively articulate the needs and demands of their communities. The study found that simply increasing the number of PAG members in representative bodies does not necessarily mean their interests will carry more weight in public decision-making.
IECM Acknowledges Progress and Persistent Hurdles
Patricia Avendaño Durán, the presiding councilor of the IECM, acknowledged that the Colmex research provides valuable insights for evaluating and refining inclusion measures in future electoral processes. Councilor Maira Melisa Guerra Pulido, president of the Permanent Commission of Political Associations and Oversight, further explained that the study assesses the impact of affirmative actions on participation, descriptive, symbolic, and substantive representation, as well as the legislative output of elected officials.
Councilor Erika Estrada Ruiz echoed these sentiments, stating that while affirmative actions have opened doors for historically underrepresented groups, they are still insufficient to guarantee substantive results. This aligns with the study’s conclusion that electoral inclusion requires additional conditions to translate into effective capacity for influence.
Councilor Ernesto Ramos Mega highlighted the need to broaden the metrics used to evaluate the performance of elected officials from PAGs. He argued that legislative productivity should not be measured solely by the number of initiatives presented or approved, but also by their engagement in community management, territorial work, and addressing community-specific problems.
Recommendations for a More Inclusive Future
The Colmex study offers several recommendations for improving the model of inclusion. Margarita Moreno, another research professor involved in the study, noted that the IECM’s measures incorporated flexible mechanisms and quantitative goals, allowing for adaptation to the characteristics of different groups. However, challenges remain in defining PAGs, acknowledging the heterogeneity within each group, and designing differentiated measures to prevent new barriers from emerging.
A central point of the research is the crucial role of political parties. The study emphasizes that consolidating substantive representation requires strengthening leadership within party organizations and fostering effective articulation between elected officials and their respective communities. This means ensuring that elected representatives maintain strong ties with both their political parties and the groups they are meant to serve.
The IECM is already utilizing the study’s findings to guide the review of affirmative actions for the 2026-2027 Local Ordinary Electoral Process. This includes conducting consultations with various groups to define the measures that should be considered for candidate nominations, demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing the identified challenges.
Ultimately, while Mexico City has made commendable strides in enhancing political representation through affirmative actions, the journey towards truly substantive influence for Priority Attention Groups is ongoing. The Colmex study serves as a vital roadmap, highlighting the complexities and underscoring the need for continuous evaluation, adaptation, and strategic collaboration between electoral bodies, political parties, and the communities themselves.
Source: https://sociedad-noticias.com/2026/08/15/acciones-afirmativas-amplian-representacion-politica-en-la-cdmx-pero-no-garantizan-incidencia-de-los-grupos-prioritarios/
