Lorenzo Córdova Vianello, a researcher at the UNAM Institute of Legal Research and former president counselor of the National Electoral Institute (INE), has asserted that the agency was aware of alleged criminal acts during the 2021 Sinaloa governor’s election and filed formal complaints with the corresponding electoral prosecutors.
During an interview with Aristegui en Vivo, Córdova stated that declarations made by President Claudia Sheinbaum regarding that electoral process are “plagued with falsehoods.” He argued that there is an attempt to evade a responsibility that, if it must be sought, belongs to Morena, the party that nominated Rubén Rocha Moya.
The claims come amid accusations from the United States Department of Justice against Rubén Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa on leave. The U.S. Authorities allege links between Rocha Moya and the “Los Chapitos” faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, claiming the group intervened in his favor during the 2021 election.
Division of Electoral Responsibility
Córdova clarified that the INE held operational responsibilities during the election day because federal and local elections were concurrent. The institute was tasked with installing polling stations, integrating board tables, training officials, and auditing expenses.
However, he emphasized that local organization became the responsibility of state electoral authorities following the election night. “The election being questioned by these inquiries from the United States is the governor’s election, meaning a local election that the INE organized, but only until the night of the election, at which point it ceased to have any responsibility,” Córdova noted.
Reports of Electoral Violence
According to Córdova, incidents were recorded at various polling stations, primarily in northern Sinaloa municipalities including Guamúchil, Guasave, and Los Mochis. He stated that in several instances, voting was interrupted by the presence of armed men.
These disruptions included the theft of electoral materials and, in some cases, the “robbery of polling stations.” Córdova affirmed that the INE reported these events to the then-Specialized Prosecutor for Electoral Crimes (FEDE) at both federal and local levels, as electoral personnel are legally required to report potential crimes.
These incidents were tracked in real-time via the Election Day Information System (SIGE) and were subsequently incorporated into challenges filed against the election by current opposition parties.
Stalled Investigations and Legal Validation
Córdova highlighted that several investigation files (carpetas de investigación) have remained open for five years without reaching a conclusion. He identified at least four specific files:
- FED/SIN/MOCH/0000747/2021: Initiated June 6, 2021, regarding an armed group that allegedly threatened officials in sections 0283, 0284, 0285, and 0286 to close voting centers.
- FED/FEDE/FEDE-SIN/0000453/2021: Initiated June 6, 2021, regarding the alleged seizure of ballot boxes in 18 polling stations by an armed group.
- FED/SIN/MOCH/0000746/2021: Related to the alleged theft of electoral documentation and materials at polling station 0071B.
- FED/FEDE/FEDE-SIN/0000875/2021: Linked to file CEULA: B-V-4 FEDE, stemming from reports by electoral personnel.
Córdova suggested that while the prosecutors are autonomous, they have been closely linked to the official government, which may explain the lack of progress in these cases.
The Role of the State Tribunal
The final validation of the election was the responsibility of the Electoral Tribunal of the State of Sinaloa, not the INE. Córdova noted that the project to validate the election was presented by Magistrate Aída Inzunza Cázarez.
Aída Inzunza Cázarez is the sister of Senator Enrique Inzunza Cázarez, who is among the individuals pointed out by United States authorities, alongside Rocha Moya and other former and current Sinaloan officials.
Córdova concluded by rejecting claims that the INE failed to act, stating, “Irregularities existed. The INE had knowledge of them and reported them criminally.”
Potential Implications
Given the ongoing accusations from the U.S. Department of Justice, these stalled investigation files could become central to future legal proceedings. If the evidence within these files is revisited, it may lead to a renewed scrutiny of the 2021 electoral results.
the public dispute between former electoral officials and the current presidency could increase political pressure on the autonomous prosecutors to conclude the five-year-old investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the INE report the violence in Sinaloa?
Yes. Lorenzo Córdova stated that the INE reported the incidents to the Specialized Prosecutor for Electoral Crimes (FEDE) at both federal and local levels.
What specific crimes were reported during the 2021 election?
Reports included the presence of armed men interrupting voting, the theft of electoral materials, and the seizure of ballot boxes in 18 polling stations.
Who was responsible for the final validation of the Sinaloa governor’s election?
The validation was the responsibility of the Electoral Tribunal of the State of Sinaloa, not the INE.
Do you believe that the speed of judicial validation in electoral processes impacts the perceived legitimacy of an election?
