Mexico has made history by electing all judges through a popular vote, yet only 13% of eligible voters participated in the recent election. President Claudia Sheinbaum lauded it a success, despite serious concerns over low turnout and potential risks of politicization and corruption. The election process has faced criticism, and the results will take ten days to be announced as reforms reshape the judicial landscape of the country.
In a historic move, Mexico has become the first nation to elect all of its judges by popular vote, but the turnout leaves much to be desired. Only 13 percent of eligible voters, that’s about 13 million citizens, participated in the elections held on June 1. President Claudia Sheinbaum hailed the event as a major success, emphasizing the significance of this democratic milestone. But, the low turnout raised eyebrows, as it fell short of the 15 percent forecasted by several polls.
The election’s structure posed some challenges, too. Nearly 8,000 candidates competed for positions across 2,681 courts, many of whom were unfamiliar to voters. This made the voting process complicated, involving six different colored ballots depending on the positions up for grabs. This confusion likely contributed to the dismal participation rate, which has sparked conversations about the effectiveness of the election mechanism.
This move toward a popular vote for judges has been championed by former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and his party, Morena. Although he stepped down after handing over the presidency, Lopez Obrador made a surprise appearance to vote in Chiapas, exclaiming his delight in witnessing Mexico’s democratic process in action. “I’m very happy to live in a free and democratic country,” he told reporters, expressing his pride in the election.
However, the popularity of this initiative has not been without its critics. Opposition parties, both at home and abroad, alongside various human rights organizations, voiced concerns regarding potential politicization. They worry that voting for judges based on name recognition could lead to unqualified candidates filling these crucial roles. Even more troubling are fears of criminal organizations influencing or placing their affiliates in judicial positions. This raises serious issues for a judicial system often plagued by corruption.
The ruling party argues that electing judges through popular vote tackles corruption and enhances accountability. Especially in areas where up to 90 percent of reported crimes go unpunished, this approach is seen as a necessary reform. While the excitement around democratic participation is palpable, some are cautious about what this means for judicial independence.
Results from the election are expected to take about ten days as counting is being conducted at specialized centers, not at poll sites. The count will start with Supreme Court justices, then move on to circuit, district, and municipal judges. With the Supreme Court’s impending reduction from 11 to nine members, there’s an ongoing reshaping of Mexico’s legal landscape. Only three of the current justices aligned with the ruling party are participating in this election, as the others opted out due to concerns over the reform.
Additionally, the reform includes establishing a new Disciplinary Tribunal for the judiciary, empowered to oversee judges. The ruling party endorsed 30 out of 38 candidates for this tribunal, indicating their strong influence in shaping judicial oversight. Looking ahead, Mexico has plans to elect another 1,000 judicial positions in 2027, extending this new electoral system’s impact on the country’s judicial framework.
The first-ever nationwide election of judges in Mexico, while historic, is marred by remarkably low voter turnout, raising questions about its effectiveness and overall democratic health. The process, backed by the ruling party, has faced criticism for potential politicization and the specter of corruption. As results unfold, the implications for judicial integrity and independence will be under intense scrutiny. With plans to continue this trend in 2027, how the electoral system evolves remains to be seen.
Original Source: havanatimes.org
