Tzotzil of Zinacantan - Sociopolitical Organization

The Mexican municipio structure has been imposed upon the ancient Tzotzil political system. In the town hall in Zinacantan Center, a set of ranked officials ( presidente, sindico, four alcalde jueces, and nine regidores ) serve three-year terms to carry out their political duties, including collecting funds for and supervising public works and settling disputes among Zinacantecos. In the hamlets there are official representatives of the governing town hall in Zinacantan Center; some hamlets also now have an official agente, who can perform many of the duties of the presidente, including holding court and settling disputes.