Mexican President Hails Judicial Elections Amid Record 13% Turnout

Mexico held a historic and unprecedented election for its entire judiciary, including Supreme Court justices, magistrates, and judges, with roughly 2,600 posts up for grabs. Despite only about 13% voter turnout—far below typical presidential election participation—President Claudia Sheinbaum declared the process a "complete success," emphasizing the election's role in combating corruption and nepotism within the judiciary and reinforcing democratic control by the people. The governing Morena party pushed the reform as a way to make the judiciary more accountable and reduce impunity, while critics warned that it undermines the separation of powers and risks politicizing the courts with under-qualified candidates. Opposition leaders condemned the low turnout and the election itself as a failure and a threat to democracy, accusing the government of concentrating power and staging a farce. Sheinbaum rejected claims that the reforms would lead to authoritarianism or judicial control by the executive, stressing the election's transparency and the involvement of professional committees in candidate selection. The election marked a significant, if controversial, democratic experiment with judicial accountability in Mexico.