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Causes of the EZLN

 

Many have felt that the government of Mexico has mistreated Chiapas since the Constitution of 1917. Native farmers of this agricultural region had to pay absentee landlords even though Article 27 of the Constitution of 1917 had given the indigenous people the right to an ejido, which is communal land. With the stress of the Structural Adjustment Programs of the IMF and a Mexican economic crash, Mexico’s government agreed to amend the Constitution of 1917, thus allowing the ejido to be privatized. This condition was pursuant to Mexico joining the North American Free Trade Agreement.

 

  The EZLN evolved in response to the negative repercussions NAFTA has had on the indigenous population of Mexico, such as lost of land and work, especially in the agricultural sector. Its primary focus has become the passage and implementation of the original San Andres Accords. It has been described as an anti- globalization and anti-neo-liberalist movement. The American Heritage Dictionary describes neo liberalism as “political movement beginning in the 1960s that blends traditional liberal concerns for social justice with an emphasis on economic growth.” The motto of the EZLN is “Ya Basta!” or “Enough!” They have picked this as their slogan because they believe the indigenous people have been ignored and taken advantage of for over 500 years; since the time of Spanish Conquistadors.

Artist's interpretation of NAFTA's negative effect on the Mexican people

Throughout their struggle the EZLN has attempted to respect the legal framework of the constitution. In an effort to give legal credence to their rebellion, they have invoked Article 39 of the Constitution, which establishes that national sovereignty resides with the people.

The EZLN sees indigenous autonomy as the solution to poverty. They strive for a state within a state, in which they are permitted an independent municipal government and communal lifestyle in addition to outside support. In sum, EZLN seeks individual citizenship rights within a national democracy as well as collective indigenous rights within their own state.