Historical elections in Mexico: Democracy in danger?

Historical elections in Mexico: Democracy in danger?

Mexico is on Sunday before his first Juruscasses, in which hundreds of judges, magistrate and Standing judicial officers on the ballot. This previously unique event should contribute to democratization of the courts. Critics, on the other hand, fear that this could make the judiciary more susceptible to the influence of politicians or criminal groups.

Overall, almost 900 federal positions , including all nine seats of the top courts and about 1,800 local positions in 19 states . This choice is the first of two election phases, with the second planned for 2027.

constitutional reform and their backgrounds

This choice is the result of a Constitutional reform last year Manuel López Obrador was adopted. He argued that this reform was necessary in order to stop impunity in the courts and to give the voters more say in the judicial process.

criticism of the reform

opponents of the reform, on the other hand, see the attempt by López Obrador to strengthen the power of his governing Morena party by transforming the judiciary, which often blocked some of his political proposals. Critics also warn that the choice of judges by the people could endanger the independent authority of the courts, especially in view of widespread crime and corruption.

The new electoral system

Before the reform, judges of the Supreme Court were nominated by the President and approved in the Senate, while federal judges were selected by a judge commission that examined the exams and academic achievements for the assessment of the candidates. Federal judges are chosen by the public in the new system, after they from evaluation commissions of the three government branches were examined and nominated.

influence of politics and concerns

Although the rules rule out political parties from the support of the candidates, critics warn that they may have a choice by encouraging voters to choose people who meet their interests. Local media have reported that some politicians were accused, leaf leaves or "pick-up" to distribute the recommendations for choice.

One of the greatest concerns emphasized by human rights groups is that the elections could also be influenced by criminal groups. In the past, Mexican cartels have used violence to influence the result of an election, often by attacking or murdering candidates. Last year there was a record of sacrificing political violence, where reported.

A survey of the pew research " Centers showed that most Mexicans support the judicial reform. Despite protests in September, when the congress voted, 66% of the respondents approved the reform.

The upcoming judicial elections are opposed to violent criticism of opposition groups. Former President Vicente Fox from the Pan Party called on people not to vote on Sunday and described the election as "farce". Nevertheless, President Claudia Sheinbaum encourages the Mexicans to take part in the election process and to decide who will form the judiciary. "It is better that millions of people choose only the president and the Senate of the Republic," she said.