Ballots and Bullets: Mexico’s Judiciary Vote Risks Handing the Bench to the Cartels
One of the most discussed candidates is Silvia Delgado García, a former defense attorney for Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, now running for a criminal court position in Chihuahua.
On June 1, Mexico will do something unprecedented: hold national elections to choose judges, including members of the Supreme Court. Supporters argue it’s a step toward democratizing the justice system, giving citizens direct input into who interprets and applies the law. Some, however, warn that the process may compromise judicial independence and deepen political entanglements in the courts.
More than 7,700 candidates are competing for over 2,600 judicial positions. The governing Morena party, now led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, describes the reform as a democratic milestone. It follows years of tension between former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration and the judiciary, including high-profile court rulings that blocked parts of his legislative agenda.
The new process replaces a career-based system, traditionally grounded in merit and seniority, with direct elections. Candidate selection is conducted via a lottery, and a vetting process overseen by government-aligned committees. While judges are barred from formally affiliating with political parties, social media channels have circulated unofficial lists of “recommended” candidates, often echoing government messaging. Legal observers have raised concerns that these dynamics could expose the judiciary to political pressure and reduce its autonomy.
Controversies and Concerns
One of the most discussed candidates is Silvia Delgado García, a former defense attorney for Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, now running for a criminal court position in Chihuahua.
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