Mexico Holds First Judicial Elections for 881 Judges Including Supreme Court

Mexico is preparing for its first-ever judicial elections on June 1, where voters will elect nearly 900 judges, including all nine Supreme Court justices, marking a radical shift toward a democratically elected judiciary. This reform, championed by the ruling Morena party and President Claudia Sheinbaum, aims to combat corruption and nepotism within the judicial system by handing selection power directly to the electorate. However, critics warn that the elections could undermine judicial independence, increase susceptibility to criminal influence, and create regulatory uncertainty for businesses. Public awareness and voter engagement remain challenges, with surveys showing only half of Mexicans know the elections are imminent and fewer than 40% are certain to vote. The government is promoting voter participation, emphasizing the importance of these elections in renewing the judiciary, while also investigating reports of voter influence attempts by political groups. This election marks a significant moment in Mexico's judicial reform, testing the balance between democratic accountability and maintaining an independent judiciary.