Morena will strengthen filters for applicants; 'we will be vigilant' with profiles, says Ariadna Montiel

Morena, one of Mexico's dominant political parties, has announced plans to strengthen its selection process for candidates vying for 17 state governorships set to be contested in the 2027 elections. The party’s national leader, Ariadna Montiel, emphasized during a press conference that while the party remains open to new members, it will implement rigorous filters to ensure that only individuals who align with its values and objectives can advance within the organization.

Montiel stressed that any accusations against party members must be substantiated before action is taken. She stated that each person should be judged based on their actions rather than unverified claims. The primary method of evaluation, according to Montiel, would be public opinion surveys designed to measure the sentiment and preferences of the Mexican population. These surveys, she explained, are essential tools for understanding the collective mood of citizens and ensuring that the party selects candidates who reflect this public perception.

The decision to refine the candidate selection process comes after a period of expansion during the 2018 presidential election, when then-candidate Andrés Manuel López Obrador advocated for inclusivity by welcoming members from diverse political backgrounds. This approach helped solidify Morena's presence in national politics and contributed to its eventual victory. However, Montiel clarified that while the party remains committed to representing the diversity of the nation, it will now place greater emphasis on verifying the integrity and alignment of potential candidates with the party's goals.

In response to circulating rumors about gender quotas for candidates in upcoming elections, Montiel denied the authenticity of these claims. She noted that once all survey results are analyzed, the party will determine whether adjustments are necessary to meet legal requirements regarding gender parity. If women perform better in these assessments, she suggested that additional modifications might not be required.

Montiel also criticized the political proposals put forth by the National Action Party (PAN), describing them as a return to past policies rooted in neoliberalism and lacking innovative ideas. She pointed out that the PAN’s platform, which includes the slogan “Patria, familia y libertad,” promotes foreign interference and echoes the legacy of previous administrations that left over 50 million Mexicans in poverty. Montiel argued that the PAN continues to rely on the same ideological framework that was prominent under former President Felipe Calderón and his associates, including current PAN figures such as Maru Campos.

As of now, Morena has officially closed its registration process for aspiring candidates, having received applications from 277 individuals interested in running for the 17 state governorships up for renewal in 2027. This number reflects the party’s ongoing efforts to identify and prepare a broad pool of potential leaders who can effectively represent Morena’s vision across the country.

Looking ahead, the party will focus on analyzing survey data to finalize its list of preferred candidates. This process will involve evaluating not only the popularity of individual names but also how well they align with the broader strategic goals of Morena. While the exact criteria for final selections have yet to be fully disclosed, the emphasis on scientific measurement and public opinion suggests that the party aims to make decisions based on empirical evidence rather than subjective judgment.

With the 2027 elections approaching, Morena’s leadership appears determined to maintain its dominance in Mexican politics by carefully managing both internal processes and external perceptions. As the party moves forward, it will continue to monitor developments closely, ensuring that its strategies remain aligned with the evolving landscape of national governance and public sentiment.