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In December 2018, President Lopez Obrador was invited to a ceremony to launch the works of the Maya train, but to avoid any risk of blockage during construction, the authorities agreed to consult the indigenous communities. JULIO MUNOZ / MEXICAN PRESIDENCY / AFP

In south-eastern Mexico, the natives who populate the Yucatan peninsula are called to vote on the plan to build the Maya train in a referendum.

With our correspondent in Mexico, Patrick John Buffe

The natives must decide the fate of this ambitious integral development project launched by the Mexican president Lopez Obrador. The project, estimated at 6 or 7 billion euros, claims to open up these Mayan lands where many marginalized indigenous communities live.

A fundamental consultation

This referendum takes place in two stages. From this Saturday, fifteen indigenous consultative assemblies began to meet in the regions where the railroads of the future Maya train should pass. The goal was to make proposals, sign agreements with the government and decide on this project.

This process will culminate simultaneously this Sunday with the participation of the residents of 112 municipalities spread along the railway route. All voters can drop off a ballot in the ballot box to express their agreement or refusal.

For President Lopez Obrador, this consultation is fundamental. One of his flagship development projects is at stake. He has already warned that if the indigenous communities vote against it, he will respect their decision and abandon the construction of the Maya train.

Critical Voices

But critical voices have already been raised to denounce pressure, a lack of information, as well as the absence of an environmental impact study in the area where this train should pass. A train whose fate is now in the hands of the Mayan natives.

► Mexico: the Maya train to develop the south-east of the country