Turnout low as Mexico votes in controversial judicial election

President Sheinbaum describes the vote as a ‘success’, but experts caution that criminals could exploit it to penetrate the judiciary.

The recent vote in Mexico to choose judges is considered a “success” by the president, despite low turnout and widespread confusion. Only 13 percent of eligible voters participated in the vote on Sunday to revamp the court system. President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that the election would enhance Mexico’s democracy, but critics accused her of trying to gain control of the judiciary, while analysts cautioned that it could pave the way for criminals to gain influence.

The vote, a key policy of Sheinbaum and former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, aimed to fill approximately 880 federal judicial positions, including Supreme Court justices, as well as numerous local judges and magistrates. Many voters found it challenging to make informed decisions among a large number of relatively unknown candidates who were not allowed to disclose their party affiliations or engage in extensive campaigning.

Polling stations were described as “largely empty” by Al Jazeera’s John Holman reporting from Mexico City. Despite the low turnout, Sheinbaum praised the election as a “complete success” that positions the country as a democratic pioneer. The reform, defended by supporters as necessary to cleanse a corrupt justice system, was initially championed by Sheinbaum’s predecessor, Lopez Obrador, who frequently clashed with the former judiciary.

Experts had warned that voter turnout would be low due to the vast number of candidates and the unfamiliarity of judicial voting. Voters and analysts expressed concerns about the potential for organized crime to exploit the elections to infiltrate the judiciary. Despite requirements for candidates to have legal experience, no criminal record, and a good reputation, some have been linked to organized crime and corruption scandals.

The election results are anticipated in the next few days, with a second round of judicial elections scheduled for 2027 to fill numerous additional positions.