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Mexico's First Judicial Elections: A Historic Shift Amid Controversy
- Mexico held its first-ever judicial elections on June 1, 2025, in Ciudad Juarez, selecting Supreme Court and local judges by popular vote.
- These elections followed the Senate's passage of Plan C, a constitutional reform championed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador to restructure the judiciary.
- Plan C reduces Supreme Court seats from eleven to nine, shortens justices' terms, aligns their salaries with the president's, and removes presidential appointment powers.
- Voter participation was very low, with roughly 13 million people casting ballots out of the 100 million eligible, amid widespread confusion, protests against the reforms, and worries about the judiciary's independence and criminal influence.
- Supporters called the vote a success to combat corruption, but critics warned the reform politicizes courts and risks empowering criminal groups within the justice system.
17 Articles
17 Articles
No, Mexico’s Judicial Reform Isn’t a Risk to Democracy
Mexico is overhauling its justice system by having voters elect Supreme Court judges, but Washington has criticized the move. US allegations of authoritarianism fit into a long history of meddling — and ignore the need to make justices more accountable.
Around 2000 federal judges are currently being re-elected in Mexico by popular elections. This is to make justice more efficient, says the government. What is really lacking in law enforcement, our author had to learn in her own right.
Mexico's First Judicial Elections: A Historic Shift Amid Controversy
Mexico conducted its first-ever judicial elections, leaving many voters bewildered by the new system. The elections, a move to overhaul the judiciary, faced criticism as an attempt by the ruling party to consolidate power, while concerns about corruption and criminal influence loom large.
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