By Eliane Portillo

The National Chamber of the Radio and Television Industry (CIRT) asked the Federal Electoral Institute (IFE) to provide an official definition of debates so that the CIRT can have a legal definition of the word in order to avoid controversy.

Through a press release, the CIRT emphasized that the broadcasting of debates is even more important due to the order mandated on Jan. 18 by the High Court of the Federal Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) in which they called for an investigation into all local and national radio and television stations that held interviews with Michoacán gubernatorial candidates during the recent election cycle. The press release also explained in more detail the restrictions implemented by the TEPJF which argue that debates are not protected by freedom of speech or freedom of press. The organization ordered investigations into more than 60 radio stations for giving interviews while the IFE had ruled out any wrongdoing based on previous investigations done by the organization.

The CIRT stated that the verdicts cannot be concealed and will require formal responses, not mere declarations, given the hundreds of investigations and the sanctions that have been imposed are a clear assault on freedom of speech in Mexico.

The CIRT also pointed out that since 1994 it has also been a venue for debates for candidates seeking public office on the local and national levels.