A different kind of election: Mexico chooses its judges
In a historic first, Mexico has held nationwide elections to choose judges across all levels of the judiciary. While the move is seen as a key step in judicial reform, the government has expressed disappointment over the low voter turnout.
Key Information
- Mexicans, for the first time, voted for judges through an election process.
- The voter turnout was merely 13 percent, far below the government's expectations.
- The reform aim was to free the judiciary from the influence of drug cartels.
It's the first-ever elections for judges at all levels in Mexico, including the Supreme Court. The reform, designed to strengthen judicial independence from the executive and curb the power of Mexico’s drug cartels, met with a low voter turnout.
Despite ambitious plans, only 13 percent of nearly 100 million eligible citizens participated in the voting, which is far less than the projected 20 percent, as emphasized by the National Electoral Institute.
In a bid to strengthen judicial independence and curb the entrenched influence of drug cartels, President Claudia Sheinbaum has backed a reform proposal that would involve the election of judges—a move she argues is essential to safeguarding Mexico’s legal system.
Mexico's Unique Approach
Judicial elections remain rare on the global stage, but Mexico stands among the few nations to adopt such a system in its effort to insulate the judiciary from criminal influence. Despite concerns over voter turnout, President Sheinbaum maintains the reform marks a meaningful step toward lasting institutional integrity.
Despite low voter turnout, the Mexican government remains optimistic about the reform’s potential. Many view the election of judges as a pivotal first step toward more profound changes aimed at strengthening judicial independence and rebuilding public confidence in the legal system.
