Cámara de Diputados de México

Congressman Porfirio Muñoz Ledo (right) at Mexico’s lower Congress, la Cámara de Diputados.

MEXICO CITY — In Mexico, just like in the United States, COVID-19 cases are again on the rise. And on Nov. 4, the lower house of the Mexican Congress adopted a new method to continue its sessions without putting the representatives at risk. 

Mexico’s chamber of deputies is implementing a system using tablets and cellphones to vote and participate remotely.

In order to hold a session, the Mexican lower chamber needs at least 127 deputies in person out of the total 500 representatives. 

The new platform allows the majority to participate from home, decreasing the chances of spreading the coronavirus in Congress. It is likely that the model will be replicated by the Senate.

And the first issue discussed and approved by the representatives using this technology? To honor all health workers who have been helping COVID-19 patients with the chamber’s medal for civil merits.