TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Mexico held its first judicial election on Sunday, June 1, 2025, which stirred controversy and confusion among voters. As reported by ABC News, the general election to appoint judges has left voters perplexed as they struggle to understand the process that will reform the country's justice system.
The ruling party in Mexico, Morena, overhauled the justice system at the end of last year. This overhaul sparked protests and criticism that the reform was an attempt to leverage political popularity to control a branch of government that had been out of their reach.
"This is an attempt to control the justice system, which has been a thorn in the side of those in power," said Laurence Patin, director of the legal organization Juicio Justo in Mexico. "However, this is a counterbalance that exists in every healthy democracy."
Now, instead of judges being appointed based on merit and experience, Mexican voters will choose from around 7,700 candidates vying for over 2,600 judge positions.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and party allies said the election is a way to cleanse the judicial system of corruption in a country that has long faced high levels of impunity.
However, critics argue that the vote could undermine democracy and further open up the justice system to organized crime and other corrupt individuals seeking to seize power.
The process has become increasingly chaotic as the voting day nears.
Civil society organizations such as Defensorxs have raised red flags about several candidates running in the general election. This includes lawyers representing some of the most feared cartel leaders in Mexico and local officials who were forced to resign from their positions due to corruption scandals.
Among those running is a former convict who served years in prison for drug trafficking to the United States. There are also several candidates with ties to a religious group whose spiritual leader is behind bars in California after admitting to child sexual abuse.
At the same time, voters are haunted by confusion over the voting process, which according to Patin has been hastily organized. Voters often have to choose from over a hundred candidates who are not allowed to clearly state their party affiliation or conduct extensive campaigning.
As a result, many Mexican citizens say they will vote without knowing the candidates. Mexican electoral authorities have been investigating voter guides distributed nationwide, which critics argue are a blatant move by political parties to benefit themselves.
"Political parties will not just sit idly by," said Patin.
Miguel Garcia, a 78-year-old former construction worker, stood in front of the Supreme Court of Mexico on Friday observing a series of posters, voter guides featuring the faces and candidate numbers.
He fervently wrote down their names on a small piece of paper, saying that he had traveled across the entire city of Mexico to try to find information before the voting day. However, he couldn't find any information apart from outside the courthouse.
"In the area where I live, there's no information for us," he said. "I'm confused because they tell us to go out and vote, but we don't know who to vote for."
Editor's Choice: Mexican Beauty Influencer Valeria Marquez Shot Dead While Live Streaming
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Donald Trump Jr. Rumored to Be Eyeing 2028 Presidential Run
6 hari lalu
Donald Trump Jr. is said to have a strong chance of replacing his father as the president of the United States
Philippines' Marcos Asks Cabinet Ministers to Resign After Election Setbacks
9 hari lalu
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has instructed all cabinet ministers to voluntarily resign.
Gov't to Refine E-Voting System Ahead of Possible 2029 Election Use, Says Minister
13 hari lalu
The idea of implementing electronic voting has also received support from the National Commission on Human Rights. Here's why
Yoon Suk Yeol Leaves South Korea's People Power Party
14 hari lalu
Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol announced his departure from the People Power Party
Mexican Beauty Influencer Valeria Marquez Shot Dead While Live Streaming
14 hari lalu
Mexican beauty content creator, Valeria Marquez, was shot dead during a live broadcast from her salon
Unlocking 7 Best University Libraries Where Histories Made
16 hari lalu
Thanks to innovation, these best university libraries have transformed into cherished companions to curious minds and dedicated scholars alike.
U.S. Judge Indicted for Allegedly Aiding Undocumented Immigrant
17 hari lalu
A regional judge in Wisconsin, United States on Thursday, May 15, 2025, was charged with obstructing a federal investigation.
4 Things to Know About South Korea's Upcoming Election
17 hari lalu
South Korea's general election will be held on June 3, 2025 with early voting taking place for two days at the end of May.
Australian PM Anthony Albanese Arrives in Indonesia for 3-Day Visit
18 hari lalu
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is visiting Indonesia after his election win.
South Korea Kicks off Presidential Campaigns with Lee Jae Myung as Frontrunner
18 hari lalu
The presidential campaigns for the South Korean election began on Monday, May 12, 2025
