The Mexican Congress entered a special session this week, in part to address whether Mexican citizens living abroad (mostly in the US) will be able to absentee vote in the 2006 presidential election. The PRI, while trying very hard not to look obstructionist, has proposed several "killer amendments" to block the initiative.
Many Mexicans abroad dislike the PRI. This is not a left-right-center issue, but truly crosses the political spectrum. The PRI are seen as corrupt and most emigrants believe that corrupt PRI presidential administrations held back the development of Mexico. If absentee voting from the US is allowed, the PRI is likely to lose most of those votes to either the PAN or PRD.
So why doesn't the PRI just outright block the bill?
First, Mexicans abroad still have many family members back home and the PRI do not want emigrants to turn into a non-voting but vocal political force in the election. Second, many Mexicans have a dream of coming to the United States, either to visit or work temporarily or work permanently. The PRI would be hurt if they were portrayed as the party that does not respect Mexicans once they are outside the country, even temporarily.
Finally, the PRI's presidential candidate Madrazo really hopes to portray himself as a moderate alternative to the Creel on the right and AMLO on the left. If the bill passes, he may be able to successfully campaign for moderate votes in the US, even with the PRI's history. This strategy is unlikely to work, however, if the PRI first attempts to block emigrants voting rights.
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