Background on the Controversy
In a surprising turn of events, Mexico’s Supreme Court will be presided over by nine individuals deemed “criminals” according to the National Electoral Institute (INE). These nine successful judicial election winners, associated with Morena, were sanctioned with fines for violating the law. Consequently, they are now classified as delincuentes.
Who are these individuals?
The nine ministers and ministras are prominent figures within Mexico’s judicial system, having been elected through a process marred by controversy. Claudia Sheinbaum, the head of Mexico City, has been criticized for her role in manipulating the judicial reform process.
Manipulated Process
- The INE and TEPJF’s biased interpretation of the law to favor Morena.
- Threats made to senators of other parties to switch to Morena.
- A low-participation election (only 10% of valid votes) deemed fraudulent by the majority.
- Direct involvement of Morena and the government in promoting candidates through illegal means, such as “acordeones” (slush funds).
Implications and Concerns
This situation has left many Mexicans feeling ashamed, knowing their nation’s highest judicial body will be led by a majority of individuals sanctioned for law-breaking. The Tribunal de Disciplina Judicial, the judicial administration organ, and numerous illegally promoted magistrates and judges are also considered delincuentes.
The newly appointed ministers, magistrates, and judges will assume their positions on September 1st, with the majority owing their success to Morena’s support. This development raises concerns about a subordinate judicial branch, prioritizing political interests over the law under Sheinbaum’s and Morena’s 4th Transformation.
Reactions and Perspectives
Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico City, acknowledges the contradictory behavior of electoral council members. However, she disputes the multation of judicial officials as the primary issue; instead, she criticizes the validation of a fraudulent election orchestrated by her government and Morena.
Sheinbaum’s six-year term will be remembered for undermining the autonomy of the judicial branch and executing one of Mexico’s most fraudulent elections, according to critics.
Democracy and the Judicial Branch
Sheinbaum’s claim that Mexico takes a step towards democracy with the judicial election selection is disputed. A democratic judicial branch cannot be controlled by the president and a single political party, as is the case with Morena in Mexico. The fundamental principle of democracy—division of powers—has eroded in the country, with the judicial branch now potentially compromised.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the nine ‘criminals’ leading Mexico’s Supreme Court? These are the nine ministers and ministras elected through a controversial process, sanctioned for law-breaking by the INE.
- What is the controversy surrounding their appointment? The judicial election process was manipulated by Claudia Sheinbaum and Morena, involving biased law interpretations, threats to senators, low voter participation, and direct involvement in candidate promotion through illegal means.
- What are the implications for Mexico’s judicial system? There are concerns about a subordinate judicial branch prioritizing political interests over the law, undermining the division of powers essential to democracy.
- How has Sheinbaum responded to the criticism? She acknowledges contradictory behavior but disputes the multation of judicial officials, instead criticizing the validation of a fraudulent election orchestrated by her government and Morena.
