The Local Public Electoral Organizations (OPLEs) in Mexico are entering a challenging phase as they gear up for the 2027 elections, which are expected to be the most significant in the country's history. Currently, these bodies are grappling with substantial debts and ongoing budget cuts that have led to a financial crisis. This budgetary collapse threatens their ability to meet the operational requirements stipulated by law and raises fears that funding will become increasingly limited, especially in light of potential electoral reforms.

Local congresses, primarily dominated by the Morena party and its allies, have imposed drastic reductions on the budgets of OPLEs, amounting to cuts of approximately four billion pesos for 2026. Some organizations are facing reductions exceeding 60 percent of their required funding, compounded by existing debts to the National Electoral Institute (INE) totaling 33.4 million pesos, which they have been unable to pay since the 2021 elections. These financial constraints put immense pressure on the local electoral bodies as they prepare for an election with such far-reaching implications.

The upcoming electoral reform legislation could potentially save the OPLEs from extinction; however, it may not alleviate their budgetary suffocation. Current proposals for reform involve further financial restrictions, which could exacerbate the challenges faced by these organizations, making adequate preparation for the elections even more daunting. Overall, the situation raises urgent questions about the future functionality and independence of Mexico's electoral oversight bodies amidst ongoing political and fiscal challenges.