Sheinbaum Backs Taddei Resignation and Demands INE Probe

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum backed Guadalupe Taddei's resignation as head of the National Electoral Institute (INE) on Monday, October 26, 2026, and called for an investigation into alleged financial irregularities at the electoral authority. She said Taddei's departure should not prevent authorities from examining potential misuse of public funds or conflicts of interest.

Taddei announced her resignation on Sunday, October 25, with the departure expected to be formalized before the Chamber of Deputies on Monday. The controversy follows allegations involving INE contractors, procurement procedures, and possible money laundering, according to reporting by Mexican newspaper Reforma.

Sheinbaum said stepping down was an appropriate decision but emphasized that the allegations required further scrutiny. She addressed the issue during her morning press conference.

"I believe she is making a good decision to step down from the position," said Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The president stressed that allegations of corruption could undermine confidence in the institution responsible for organizing Mexico's elections. She called for a thorough examination of any suspected financial misconduct.

"There cannot be allegations, shadows (...) of corruption in the electoral institution," Sheinbaum said.

Sheinbaum said Taddei's resignation would not eliminate the need to establish whether public resources had been mishandled or whether officials had faced conflicts of interest. The Superior Audit of the Federation (ASF) announced an investigation on Friday, October 23, into potential irregularities in the INE's contracting practices.

"If there was mismanagement of public resources or a conflict of interest, that must be investigated," Sheinbaum said.

Reforma reported allegations of a network of INE suppliers that allegedly manipulated competition in bidding procedures and participated in money-laundering operations. Taddei has defended the need to clarify the allegations through institutional channels, according to the source report.

The controversy comes as Mexico proceeds with its 2026-2027 electoral cycle. Elections during the period will renew the Chamber of Deputies and 17 governorships, among other public offices.

Sheinbaum rejected the characterization of Taddei's departure as a crisis for the INE. She explained that the institution's General Council must select an interim president while the Chamber of Deputies begins the process of appointing a permanent successor.

"Fortunately, the law establishes exactly what to do," Sheinbaum said.

The president also criticized personal attacks against Taddei, describing them as misogynistic. She called for a distinction between scrutiny of the electoral official's institutional conduct and criticism directed at her private life.

"An allegation of possible abuse or conflict of interest is one thing, and celebrating this personal criticism of a woman is something very different," Sheinbaum said.

Sheinbaum also reiterated her opposition to the INE's proposed budget for 2027, which she considers excessive. She argued that funding should be calculated using the institution's 2024 electoral spending as a baseline, adjusted for inflation in 2025 and 2026.