Fernanda Duran
He State Congress This May 11, the interview process began with the first 14 candidates for permanent and supernumerary commissioner of the State Commission to Guarantee Access to Public Information (CEGAIP) for the period 2024-2027.
Among the applicants, the presence of Jesus Ernesto Barajas Abregowho has held important positions within the local administration, twice being secretary of the Soledad City Council of Graciano Sánchezregion linked to the current governor José Ricardo Gallardo Cardona. He also served in the capital administration of Ricardo Gallardo Juarezas well as the State Coordination for the Institutional Strengthening of Municipalities (CEFIM) during the current six-year term.
Although during his interview he declared himself out of any government issues, after having separated from the General Secretary from the Soledad City Council two months ago. In addition to his performance in the city councils, he assured that this type of work in the secretariats gives him experience in transparency.
By contrast, Luis González Lozanohead of the civil association Change of route and specialized in environmental issues, expressed his opposition to the impartiality of the process and the independence of CEGAIP by stating that “the current government wants to take over this institution to cover up all the things that it does not want us to know.”
In this same sense, he pointed out that it is clear that he is not going to be elected by the State Congress, but he will demand that they establish and justify the reasons to prevent him from joining the CEGAIP or, where appropriate, he will go to the corresponding jurisdictional bodies.
The presence of candidates with close political ties has generated concern among some sectors, as stated by González Lozano when questioning the ethics of the possible election of Barajas Ábrego due to his relationship with the governor.
“I do not doubt that Mr. Barajas has knowledge of transparency, but I think it would be unethical. It would be immoral and unprofessional for him to accept such a position when we all know that he is aligned with Gallardía (…); The worst thing that can happen to democracy is that this Congress elects a person who has an affiliation, a closeness that has a direct line to the governor.”
Furthermore, González Lozano pointed out the importance of CEGAIP functioning as a counterweight in a context where transparency and accountability are at risk.
Likewise, he made reference to the uncertainty generated by the tendency to “disappear these organizations” by political parties related to the federal administration.
Of the 27 applicants In total, approximately 37 percent They are women and around 33.3 percent They work in positions within the state or municipal administration affiliated with the Labor Party or the Green Environmental Party of Mexico (PVEM).
Interviews and proposals
Barajas Ábrego proposed an exhaustive analysis of the structure and operation of the CEGAIP, focusing on improving the efficiency of processes, implementing a permanent training plan linked to educational institutions, bringing the commission closer to all areas of the state and optimizing the resolution of resources review.
In addition to guaranteeing the clarity of the guidelines and criteria by ensuring that the constitutional principles of transparency are respected. This is due to the guidelines modified by the CEGAIP in November 2023which contrast with the Law of Transparency and Access to Public Information of the State.
On the other hand, González Lozano insisted on the importance of prioritizing citizen profiles over party affiliations, improving the structure and operation of the CEGAIP, promoting citizen participation and updating regulations, including the use of artificial intelligence.
Precisely in this interview, deputy José Luis Fernández Martínez asked him if he knew the financial capacity of the Commission to be able to carry out this type of projects, to which he responded that it could be solved through collaboration agreements with other institutions or countries.
This Tuesday, January 12, also attended: Veronica Salazar Perezwho has held various positions within the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE); Cindy Yaritzia Galván Orozcodirector of the Transparency Unit of the Cerritos City Council; Carlos Laberto Salazar CamachoCongressional advisor; Jorge Arturo Valle Haro, director of Regulations at the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Hydraulic Resources; and José Gerardo Navarro Alvisoactuary of the Judicial Branch of the Federation.
Also Miguel Ángel Llanas Texonwho was in charge of transparency units in the administration of Juan Manuel Carreras; Ximena Monserrat González Rodríguezhead of the transparency unit of the Secretary of Education of the State Government (SEGE); María Ivonne Álvarez Noyolais deputy director of Professionalization at CEFIM; María Guadalupe Garay Cortésworked at the Soledad City Council; Jose Enrique Mendoza Torres, who was jurisdictional advisor to the State Executive Commission for Attention to Victims (CEEAV); the capital councilor for the PT, José Ángel Lara Garcíaand Eduardo Hervert Sánchez.
