Background on Mexico’s Judicial Election
Mexico recently held an extraordinary election for federal judges, ministers, and magistrates on June 1. The Organization of American States (OEA) Mission of Electoral Observation (MOE/OEA), led by former Chilean Foreign Minister Heraldo Muñoz Valenzuela, acknowledged the Mexican people following this election.
MOE/OEA’s Observations
The MOE/OEA highlighted that the voting process for selecting judges in Mexico took place peacefully. They commended the work of polling station members and election officials, particularly those continuing with scrutiny and tallies in district councils.
- Low voter turnout: The election saw a low participation rate of approximately 13.1%, one of the lowest in the region for an electoral process.
- High percentage of invalid and blank votes: A significant number of votes were marked as invalid or left blank.
- Short timeframe and complex political context: The process occurred rapidly within a highly polarized and litigious political environment.
Election Day and Intimidation Tactics
The MOE/OEA observed the setup and opening of polling stations, the voting process, and the subsequent transfer of electoral materials to district councils in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
Despite an overall peaceful voting atmosphere, various civil organizations and political actors called for protests in Mexico City’s center to criticize the government and reform, urging citizens not to vote in the elections.
The mission noted a strong presence of national observers at polling stations but warned that some were reportedly working under the coordination of political parties, which is contrary to the spirit of judicial elections and violates guidelines set by the National Electoral Institute (INE).
Additionally, the Specialized Electoral Crimes Prosecutor informed the MOE/OEA of denunciations regarding the distribution of “acordeones” (intimidation tactics) during the voting process and stated that they were investigating these claims.
OEA’s Conclusions and Recommendations
The preliminary 37-page report revealed a highly complex and polarizing electoral process. The MOE/OEA urged election authorities and political organs to consider their recommendations for strengthening all stages of the process, correcting current shortcomings, and ensuring the sustainability of adopted solutions.
Mexican citizens and institutions must evaluate whether the current model of selecting judicial authorities through popular vote, unprecedented globally, strengthens the fundamental principles of justice administration or weakens transparency, impartiality, efficiency, and independence within the judicial branch.
The MOE/OEA does not recommend replicating this model for selecting judges in other regional countries.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the purpose of the OEA Mission of Electoral Observation? The MOE/OEA aimed to observe and assess the fairness, transparency, and peaceful conduct of Mexico’s extraordinary judicial election.
- What were the main observations of the MOE/OEA? The mission noted low voter turnout, a high percentage of invalid and blank votes, and the rapid implementation within a complex political context.
- What intimidation tactics were reported during the election? The Specialized Electoral Crimes Prosecutor received denunciations regarding the distribution of “acordeones,” though investigations are ongoing.
- What recommendations did the OEA provide? The MOE/OEA urged election authorities and political organs to consider their recommendations for improving the electoral process, addressing shortcomings, and ensuring sustainability.
- Does the OEA recommend replicating Mexico’s judicial election model in other countries? No, the OEA does not recommend replicating this model for selecting judges in other regional countries.
