Baja California Sur's Congress Recognized for Citizen Engagement

Recognition by INEGI

The Congress of Baja California Sur has recently been acknowledged by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) as one of the leading legislative bodies in Mexico promoting citizen participation. This recognition stems from the findings of the National Census of State Legislative Powers 2025, which highlights the importance of involving the public in governmental affairs.

During a presentation to the current legislative period's Board of Directors and various branches of the Legislative Power, it was revealed that Baja California Sur ranks among the 13 state legislatures that actively engage in open parliament exercises and public consultations. According to the data shared, Baja California Sur holds the eighth position among entities that foster these practices.

"The information analyzed corresponds to the period from September to December 2024. During these months, the state Congress enabled two spaces focused on social participation: the Sudcalifornian Women’s Parliament and the Diversity Parliament,"

explained Araceli Alvarado Avendaño, the INEGI Coordinator in Baja California Sur.

Legislative Activity and Citizen Initiatives

The report also provided insights into the legislative activities conducted during the specified timeframe. A total of 114 initiatives were recorded, with 67.5% being promoted by members of the Legislative Power. The remaining 32.5% originated from citizens, civil organizations, state authorities, and municipal governments. This distribution underscores the growing trend of citizen involvement in legislative processes.

The nature of the proposals presented during this period was also noteworthy. The report indicated that 57.8% of the initiatives were related to decrees, while 42.2% were initiatives for new laws. These statistics are part of the indicators collected by INEGI to assess the functionality and performance of local congresses across the country.

"The generated information is valuable for evaluating parliamentary work and strengthening transparency before society,"

stated Fabrizio del Castillo Miranda, President of the Board of Directors.

Importance of Transparency and Collaboration

The collaboration between INEGI and the XVII Legislature has been pivotal in enhancing the transparency and accountability of the legislative process in Baja California Sur. This partnership aims to ensure that legislative activities are not only efficient but also inclusive of public opinion and participation.

The emphasis on citizen engagement reflects a broader trend in governance where transparency and accountability are paramount. By establishing platforms for public discourse, the Congress of Baja California Sur is setting a precedent for other legislative bodies in the country. The initiatives like the Sudcalifornian Women’s Parliament and the Diversity Parliament are examples of how legislative bodies can create inclusive spaces for dialogue and representation.

As Baja California Sur continues to prioritize citizen participation in its legislative processes, it stands as a model for other states aiming to enhance their democratic practices. The recognition by INEGI serves as a reminder of the importance of involving citizens in governance, ensuring that their voices are heard and considered in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

The commitment to transparency and citizen engagement is not just a legislative duty but a cornerstone of democracy that fosters trust between the government and its constituents.