Key Metrics
7.64
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
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Scope LevelNational
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Last Update2025-08-08
Key Impacts
Negative Impacts (9)
Event Overview
Mexico's ruling party, Morena, has strengthened its grip on the judiciary after a contentious national election on June 1, 2025, with a record-low voter turnout of 13%. The election, supported by President Claudia Sheinbaum and former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, filled 880 federal judicial roles, including nine Supreme Court justices and numerous local judges. Critics warn of judiciary politicization, while the OAS criticized the election's complexity and bias. Sheinbaum also faced accusations from U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which she denied.
Collect Records
Mexico's Ruling Party Morena Dominates Judiciary in Controversial Election with 13% Turnout
Mexico's ruling party, Morena, has consolidated its control over the judiciary following a controversial national election held on June 1, 2025, which saw a historically low voter turnout of just 13%. The election, championed by President Claudia Sheinbaum and her predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, aimed to fill approximately 880 federal judicial positions, including nine Supreme Court justices and hundreds of local judges and magistrates. Despite the low participation, Sheinbaum hailed the election as a "complete success" and a victory for democracy over corruption and nepotism. The newly elected justices, including Chief Justice Hugo Aguilar, the first Indigenous jurist to hold the position in over 150 years, have strong ties to Morena, signaling a significant shift in Mexico's balance of power. Critics, however, have raised concerns about the politicization of the judiciary and the potential erosion of the separation of powers. The Organization of American States (OAS) observation mission criticized the election as overly complex and polarizing, with widespread voter confusion and the distribution of "cheat sheets" guiding voters to Morena-aligned candidates. The OAS report recommended against replicating this model in other countries. Meanwhile, Sheinbaum has also been embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who accused her of encouraging violent protests in Los Angeles—a claim Sheinbaum vehemently denied, emphasizing her condemnation of violence and support for peaceful protest.