# 300,000 Mexicans take the law into their own hands (in a good way) URL: https://www.transparency.org/en/news/corruption-in-mexico-people-demand-laws-to-end-corruption Type: News Published: 2016-03-17 Updated: 2019-11-19 --- 17 March 2016 Mexican citizens are not waiting any longer for their politicians to draft new laws against corruption. They have taken on the job themselves. Mexicans have the right to propose changes to the Constitution or laws if the proposal is backed with at least 120,000 signatures. If that is the case, the Congress has to discuss the bill and vote on it. A diverse group of organisations, including Transparencia Mexicana, got together to come up with a proposal that could strengthen the fight against corruption in the country. The **campaign has now collected 309,476 signatures** in 40 cities across Mexico and abroad, and will be delivering the final count to the Senate where the new anti-corruption legislation will be debated. ![Courtesy, Transparencia Mexciana](/files/application/flash/Screenshot_19.png) **Citizens’ Initiative: #Ley3de3 (Law 3 out of 3)** is proposing public servants disclose their assets, interests and tax-payments. It proposes stronger sanctions for those public servants and enterprises or individuals involved in corruption and mandates government to create anonymous and safe channels to denounce corruption, among other actions. A summary of the proposed law can be found [here](http://ley3de3.mx/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Ley3de3_INFOGRAFICO_15puntosLey_Vertical.png) (in Spanish) \#Ley3de3 is a proof that when citizens get together and demand concrete changes, corruption can be controlled. We should not wait for political will for things to change. Citizens must say openly no to corruption. - **Eduardo Bohórquez, Transparencia Mexicana's Executive Director** The new law will help citizens ensure politicians are not enriching themselves illegally or involved in conflict of interests. ## **New definitions of corruption in Mexico** The law also identifies ten types of corruption and the punishments that should be given if people break the law. In the past, the lack of a legal definition for different types of corruption often allowed people to avoid prosecution. Think of them as the 10 corruption plagues of Mexican society: Bribery, misappropriation of public funds, abuse of power, embezzlement, collusion, conspiring to commit corrupt acts, trafficking of influences, obstruction of justice, misuse of privileged information, and nepotism. ## **What happens next:** - The National Electoral Commission will validate the signatures - The proposal will be submitted to Congress - The civic coalition will monitor the legislative discussion on this initiative and keep up the pressure for real reform in Congress - **UPDATE:** The final signature count has been updated with a total of 309,476 signatures collected and counted ## Countries - [Mexico](https://www.transparency.org/en/countries/mexico) For any press inquiries please contact ### You might also like... ## [Financial intelligence units: Powerful tools against corruption if governments let them work](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/financial-intelligence-units-powerful-tools-against-corruption) News • 24 June 2026 Financial intelligence units can help expose corrupt money flows – but only if governments give them the powers, access and independence to do the job. ## [Dirty money still has an address: Unveiling the Opacity in Real Estate Ownership Index](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/unveiling-opacity-in-real-estate-ownership-index) News • 26 March 2025 Transparency International and the Anti-Corruption Data Collective have ranked 24 jurisdictions on their ability to protect property markets from illicit funds. ## [CPI 2024 for the Americas: Corruption fuels environmental crime and impunity across the region](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2024-americas-corruption-fuels-environmental-crime-impunity-across-region) News • 11 February 2025 The absence of effective anti-corruption measures promotes human rights violations, and increases the influence of elites and organised crime on policy-making. ## [CPI 2023 for the Americas: Lack of independent judiciary hinders the fight against corruption](https://www.transparency.org/en/news/cpi-2023-americas-lack-independent-judiciary-hinders-fight-against-corruption) News • 30 January 2024 The lack of independence of the judiciary in the region undermines the rule of law and promotes impunity for powerful criminals.