Background on the TEPJF and INE
The Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación (TEPJF) is the highest electoral tribunal in Mexico, responsible for overseeing federal elections and resolving disputes related to them. The Instituto Nacional Electoral (INE) is the independent body in charge of organizing and supervising elections at the federal level.
Main Decision: Return of 12 Candidates’ Wins
The TEPJF’s Superior Chamber ordered the INE to return the victory to 12 judicial candidate positions that had been deemed ineligible due to not meeting the minimum academic average of 9 required for the position. The TEPJF ruled that the INE exceeded its authority by evaluating this new and unique criterion after election results, affecting principles of certainty, legal security, and legality.
Key Magistrates’ Opinions
- Magistrate Mónica Soto: Emphasized that the INE overstepped its boundaries by assessing this novel criterion post-elections, thereby violating constitutional principles.
- Magistrate Janine Otálora Malassis: Argued that the Constitution sets eligibility requirements, not idoneity criteria like a specific average in relevant subjects for licenciatura or postgraduate studies.
- Magistrate Felipe Fuentes Barrera: Defended that the INE lacks the authority to reinterpret or reassess technical requirements already evaluated by constitutionally competent organs.
Parity Ruling: Favoring Female Candidates Over Male Winners
In another matter, the TEPJF’s Superior Chamber overturned decisions by the INE’s General Council that declared seven male judicial candidates as winners despite female candidates having received more votes. The INE incorrectly applied the gender alternation rule, disadvantaging female candidates who had higher vote counts.
Confirmation of Inelegibility for Three Candidates
The TEPJF confirmed the inelegibility of three candidates for not meeting the general minimum average of 8.0 in their licenciatura, affecting district court judge and circuit magistrate positions.
INE’s Responsibilities
The TEPJF ordered the INE to award victory to the second-place candidates, provided they meet all election requirements.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the TEPJF’s role? The Tribunal Electoral del Poder Judicial de la Federación (TEPJF) is Mexico’s highest electoral tribunal, responsible for overseeing federal elections and resolving related disputes.
- Why did the TEPJF overturn INE decisions? The TEPJF ruled that the INE exceeded its authority by evaluating new and unique criteria post-elections, affecting constitutional principles of certainty, legal security, and legality.
- What was the parity ruling about? The TEPJF overturned INE decisions that favored male judicial candidates over female candidates who received more votes, as the gender alternation rule was incorrectly applied.
- Why were three candidates deemed inelegible? These candidates did not meet the general minimum average of 8.0 in their licenciatura, affecting district court judge and circuit magistrate positions.
