Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s president, recently hailed the country’s first judicial election as a “complete success,” despite an unexpectedly low voter turnout of approximately 13%. That democratization of justice was the goal of this election. It aimed to end corruption and nepotism in the judiciary by appointing over 2,600 new judges, including all nine Supreme Court justices. The ambitious initiative, inherited from former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, was fighting a war of attrition even before the vote. Candidates’ scandals, including some involving multiple candidates, further contributed to the chaos.
Yet all of this political upheavals were the backdrop for an election marred by tumult. One of the contenders was a convicted drug smuggler. On that list was a former attorney of now-imprisoned cartel kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. Worries about the readiness of candidates have surfaced. Alberto Ramos pointed out that the vast majority of the little over 3,400 candidates are independently infamous. Many have no real legal experience at all. Several have dubious credentials for the offices they’re pursuing.
Officials from the National Electoral Institute (INE) later revised those estimates and said turnout was 12.57% 13.32%. That’s slightly more than 13 million out of 100 million eligible voters who vote their ballots. Rodolfo Ramos expressed surprise at the low turnout, especially given Sheinbaum’s high approval ratings and the public’s support for direct voting for judges.
“Yesterday’s turnout at the polls met expectations.” – Rosa Icela Rodriguez
Sheinbaum vigorously defended the process, particularly the integrity of the citizens’ vote and her comparatively inexpensive campaign. She conceded that it was a long delayed step towards greater democratization in the judiciary. Beyond this election, she turned attention to another upcoming election in two years that will fill more than 1,000 more judicial seats.
The election was not without its challenges. Last year, reports uncovered serious violations of election criminal statutes that haven’t received the relevant scrutiny. As a consequence, Mexico’s Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Electoral Crimes has received 23 allegations. Analysts warn that such meager turnout could undermine an already fractious reform effort ahead of the November election.
“Everything can be perfected. We will draw conclusions from yesterday to make improvements for 2027.” – Claudia Sheinbaum
Minister Rosa Icela Rodriguez underlined the distinctive aspects of this electoral process. She said it “really sparked the curiosity of folks that were in the room.” Yet skepticism remains about whether it can fulfill its mission and reach its intended heart in a world of deepening public distrust.
