Mexico Holds First Judicial Elections Amid Low 13% Voter Turnout, Controversy

Mexico held its first-ever judicial elections on June 1, a historic reform aimed at democratizing the justice system by allowing voters to select judges and magistrates nationwide. Despite the low voter turnout of approximately 13%, President Claudia Sheinbaum hailed the elections as a success, emphasizing that nearly 13 million citizens participated in choosing about 880 federal judges among 7,700 candidates. The reform, championed by the ruling Morena party, seeks to reduce corruption and impunity in a judiciary long criticized for political influence and lack of oversight, but it has sparked controversy and criticism from opposition groups, civil society, and international observers concerned about judicial independence and the qualifications of some candidates. The election process faced logistical challenges and voter confusion due to the large number of candidates and limited voter information, while some candidates with questionable backgrounds heightened fears of potential criminal influence. The results will be gradually released through June, with official validation expected by mid-June, and the 2027 midterm elections will serve as a further test of the reform's impact on Mexico's rule of law and judicial accountability.