PAN Quintana Roo Denies Being ‘Sold’ to Ruling Party, Prepares for 2027

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — The National Action Party (PAN) in Quintana Roo denied Tuesday that it has been co-opted by the ruling Morena party, as party leaders responded to criticism from their own members and laid out a strategy for the 2027 elections.

At a press conference held to welcome Eugenio Barbachano, a former official with experience in tourism and economics, as a new member, leaders addressed complaints from militants who have accused state party leader Reyna Tamayo of being a “comparsa” — a prop — for the state government and of ignoring municipal committees and their financial needs.

Tamayo, who is also a local legislator, rejected those allegations and said the work of the party should not be devalued “because of a few.” She said the party’s renewal strategy came from listening to people through house-to-house visits and direct contact, and that the PAN is seeking to regain public trust and open its doors to anyone who wants to participate, not just those seeking candidacies.

Federal deputy Ernesto Sánchez was more blunt, saying no one at the press conference was “sold” and dismissing reports of internal fractures. He recommended against airing the party’s internal matters, acknowledged that the party needs to reinvent itself, but said it already has a strategy to arrive strong at the 2027 elections.

“We are not cutting it close. We have been working on this strategy for more than a year,” Tamayo added.

Sánchez said the party has streamlined its membership process so new affiliates can join through an app in about a minute and a half, instead of the previous process of visiting a municipal committee, taking a course and participating in activities. He also said the party is promoting new figures, including municipal council members who have shown willingness to take on opposition roles.

He outlined three lines of work for 2027: strengthening the PAN brand, defining its strategic structure and potential candidates; deciding whether to participate in electoral alliances; and drawing up a government plan. He declined to give specifics on alliances, but said they remain an open strategic option.

Sánchez also claimed that about 80 percent of the party’s polling station representatives — both primary and alternate — have already been designated across Quintana Roo, with the remaining 20 percent to be filled or adjusted during the electoral process. He said the party has begun narrowing down possible candidates through surveys and district-level measurements, though he did not reveal details for strategic reasons.

The party also defended its decision to open its doors to Gustavo Miranda, a former Green Party (PVEM) member who was investigated following allegations linking him to the so-called “cartel of dispossessions.” Barbachano said Miranda would have to answer for that matter, and described a project Miranda is promoting called “Conectando Ideas,” which aims to gather the visions and concerns of young people across the state’s 11 municipalities.

Asked about the PAN’s credibility, Barbachano said: “If for some reason that has not been consolidated or is in question, we will have to reflect on why and make decisions.”

The press conference came a week after Eduardo Martinez, a former state PAN leader, warned that the party risks losing its registration in 2027 if the current situation continues. Some militants have also complained about being left out of decisions and about the creation of “parallel” structures outside municipal committees.

Tamayo defended the party’s record as an opposition force, saying it has raised its voice against impositions in the state Congress. She asked for the public’s confidence “to move Quintana Roo forward.”