Mexico Holds First Ever Nationwide Judicial Elections

Mexico held its first-ever popular election for judiciary positions, including Supreme Court justices, magistrates, and judges, marking a historic shift from an appointment-based system to a voter-driven process. The reform, championed by former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and current President Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to democratize the courts, combat corruption, and make the judiciary more accessible and accountable to the public. Despite these goals, critics and opposition figures warn that the overhaul risks undermining judicial independence by potentially allowing the ruling Morena party to exert excessive influence and opening the door for candidates linked to organized crime. The complex election involved thousands of candidates vying for over 2,600 positions across federal and local levels, with voters receiving multiple ballots for different judicial offices. President Sheinbaum emphasized that this transformation represents a break from past systems controlled by political elites, asserting that the people, not politicians, should choose who administers justice. Voter turnout appeared low in some areas, and election authorities planned to release participation estimates and staggered results over the following days.