Background on Key Figures and Relevance
The Institute National Electoral (INE) has bestowed certificates of majority upon the new ministers who will form part of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN). This event marks a significant milestone in Mexico’s electoral history, as it is the first time that citizens have participated in a free, direct, and secret vote to elect members of the SCJN.
Newly Elected Ministers
The newly elected ministers include:
- Hugo Aguilar Ortiz
- Lenia Batres Guadarrama
- Yasmín Esquivel Mossa
- Loretta Ortiz Ahlf
- María Estela Ríos González
- Giovanni Azael Figueroa Mejía
- Irving Espinosa Betanzo
- Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García
- Sara Irene Herrerías Guerra
These individuals secured the highest number of votes in the June 1 election.
Historical Significance and Linguistic Milestones
This process is noteworthy as it represents the first time that the INE has issued a certificate in an indigenous language, specifically Mixteco. This action underscores the growing recognition of Mexico’s diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
Hugo Aguilar Ortiz’s Vision for Indigenous Inclusion
Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, the incoming President of the SCJN, emphasized that his arrival at Mexico’s highest judicial body signifies the beginning of full inclusion for indigenous peoples and Afro-Mexicans in the country’s public life.
“The history of Mexico cannot be explained without the participation of indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples in various transformation periods. This electoral process was no exception. I am confident that this is the beginning of full inclusion for indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples in our country’s public life.”
Call for Vote of Confidence in New SCJN and Judicial Reform
Aguilar Ortiz urged support for the new SCJN and the judicial branch, asserting that recent reforms aim to ensure justice is a right, not a privilege.
“I call for a vote of confidence in the new Supreme Court and Judicial Power, as these reforms bring profound changes to guarantee justice as a right, not a privilege.”
Acknowledgment from Aguilar Ortiz to INE
Aguilar Ortiz expressed gratitude to the INE for treating indigenous peoples and Afro-Mexicans with dignity during this process, contrasting it with past instances of discrimination within electoral institutions.
“Allow me to express my gratitude to the National Electoral Institute for the dignified treatment that indigenous peoples and Afro-Mexicans have received today. In the past, our words, requests, and mere presence were met with ridicule and discrimination in these very institutions.”
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the newly elected SCJN ministers? Hugo Aguilar Ortiz, Lenia Batres Guadarrama, Yasmín Esquivel Mossa, Loretta Ortiz Ahlf, María Estela Ríos González, Giovanni Azael Figueroa Mejía, Irving Espinosa Betanzo, Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García, and Sara Irene Herrerías Guerra.
- Why is this election significant? This marks the first time citizens have directly voted for SCJN members, showcasing a more inclusive electoral process.
- What does Hugo Aguilar Ortiz aim to achieve in the SCJN? He seeks full inclusion of indigenous peoples and Afro-Mexicans in Mexico’s public life.
- What changes does Aguilar Ortiz advocate for in the judicial system? He supports recent reforms ensuring justice is a right, not a privilege.
