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News in English (USA) / 03.06.2025 / 16:00

Mexico Holds Historic but Controversial Judicial Elections Amid Low Turnout and Legitimacy Concerns

In a groundbreaking political experiment, Mexico has conducted its first-ever elections to choose judges, allowing citizens to elect nearly 2,700 judges, including those for the new Supreme Court. However, the elections have been marred by skepticism, as only 13% of eligible voters participated, raising significant concerns about the legitimacy of the process. Critics argue that this low turnout reflects a lack of faith in the democratic system and fear that the ruling party may exploit the situation to consolidate power within the judiciary. Many candidates have dubious backgrounds, including links to organized crime, which further complicates public trust. While officials, including the president, have hailed the elections as a success, others question whether this move will enhance judicial accountability or undermine the rule of law. The implications of this electoral process are being closely watched, as Mexico navigates this unprecedented step towards democratizing its judiciary.
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