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Municipalities

The EZLN has established several (upwards of 35) autonomous municipalities throughout the region of Chiapas. These initially evolved in response to the eviction of several Mayan subgroups from the Montes Azules biosphere reserve during the 1970s and 80s. Over the decades and with the help of several NGOs, the EZLN have created schools, clinics, and co-ops within these municipalities. They have done so with the goal of establishing self-sufficient communities in which the main principle of leadership is mandar obedeciendo, or governing by the will of the community.

Sign at entrance of Zapatista Community
  In 2000 these Zapatista Autonomous Rebel Municipalities, known as MAREZ, were grouped into regional independent government structures administered by five Juntas of Good Government. These are based in centers called Caracoles, which means “snail shells” in Spanish. Each autonomous municipal council sends rotating representatives to one of the five Juntas. This is the Zapatistas first time attempt at creating a regional autonomous authority; their autonomy had only been municipal until the Juntas. They practice communal food producing programs, healthcare, and school systems. However, being small states within a state and lacking in resources themselves, the Juntas are heavily supported by NGOs. Juntas regulate the activities of these NGOs within the Zapatista territories. While the Mexican government has tolerated the MAREZ and Juntas, multiple paramilitary groups have a presence in 27 of these communities.

Building in Zapatista community in Lacandón Jungle