Mexico's recent judicial election faced a staggering turnout issue, with nearly 90% of eligible voters choosing not to participate. This election, aimed at restructuring the country's judiciary from an appointment-based system to one directly elected by the populace, saw voting participation plummet to an estimated 12.6% to 13.3%. This figure marks one of the lowest turnouts in federal elections since Mexico's democratic transition in the early 2000s, raising significant concerns about the election's legitimacy.
Voter confusion dominated the election day experience, as many struggled to navigate the overwhelming number of candidates vying for approximately 2,700 judgeships, encompassing positions on the Supreme Court and various federal and local courts. Critics highlight that the leftist Morena party, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, exacerbated this chaos by reportedly distributing cheat sheets to assist voters in selecting candidates.
Experts like Laurence Pantin, head of Juicio Justo (Fair Trial), expressed concerns over the integrity of the election, pointing to multiple irregularities, including instances of individuals helping each other in voting booths and even voters documenting their completed ballots—signs that raise suspicions of vote-buying practices. Despite showcasing a commitment to enhancing democratic processes, the election's execution has left many questioning its purpose and legitimacy.
