To vote or not to vote: Experts discuss Mexico's first judicial elections

On Sunday, June 1, Mexico will go to the polls to participate in the unprecedented extraordinary elections for the Judiciary, a process that will renew ministers, magistrates, and judges. Although it will be considered a historic event, it has generated more doubts than enthusiasm among citizens.

For political scientist Óscar Cob, the decision of whether or not to go to the polls is a complex dilemma, especially when citizens lack information about the candidates and show profound disinterest.

“I think the argument of not voting to legitimize the election is meaningless. This election is already supported by the Constitution and will be the new normal in our country. Even if we don't vote, that won't change what is already established by law,” Cob explained.

The political scientist admits that voting in an informed manner in these elections is a monumental challenge, as a large number of ministers, magistrates, and local judges will be elected, many of whom are unknown to the majority of the population.

"The number of candidates to review is so vast that I haven't even decided who I'm going to vote for. It's not easy to decide when there's no clear information or profiles that we can feel represented by," he shared.

Despite these difficulties, Cob emphasized that participation remains essential, even in less than optimal conditions, since failure to participate in these elections would leave the decision in the hands of shadowy interests.

“We citizens can make a difference if we decide to participate consciously. If we don't participate, it will be economic, political, and drug-related interests that will determine the positions in the judiciary,” he said. “It's our right, and we must assert it. We still have time. If we don't vote, we lose the opportunity to act as a counterweight at a decisive moment for justice and democracy in our state.”

For political consultant José Manuel Urquijo, voting, albeit with reservations, is necessary in this electoral process for the Judicial Branch.

"Judicial Reform is now a reality. Whether we like it or not, the new Judiciary will be elected by popular vote this Sunday, and those who emerge from this process will be its judges, magistrates, and ministers," he said.

Urquijo reiterated that the importance of participating lies in the fact that, even if one disagrees with the reform, the consequences will directly impact people's lives.

"It doesn't matter if you didn't want this to happen, or if you think the reform is well or poorly done. What's truly important is that this Sunday, the people you'll find in court when you have a legal problem will be chosen," he commented.

In this regard, Urquijo also called on citizens to become informed and participate consciously.

"Do we now understand the importance of voting? Let's vote with conscience, let's inform ourselves about the profiles, let's bring our accordions, because if you don't vote, others will choose for you who will judge your cases.

“I will vote because it is part of democracy. Essentially, the idea of ​​democratizing the judiciary seems questionable to me, but I believe that if people participate and mobilize en masse this Sunday, with civic responsibility and valuable information, we can have a better judiciary. However, if people don't vote, then we do run the risk of the judiciary being hijacked by mafias, politicians, and economic interests,” he said.