Mexico's Judicial Elections: Low Turnout Raises Legitimacy Concerns

Mexico Awaits Judicial Elections: Experts Debate Turnout and Legitimacy Mexico City, May 29, 2025 – The upcoming judicial elections in Mexico on June 1st are generating considerable debate. A recent segment from the influential news program "Tercer Grado" highlights concerns about voter participation and the potential impact on the legitimacy of the election's outcome. The discussion, featuring renowned political analysts Denise Maerker, Raymundo Riva Palacio, Leo Zuckermann, and Viri Ríos, explored various scenarios. Leo Zuckermann predicted voter turnout "between 15 and 20% of the electorate." Raymundo Riva Palacio emphasized the legal validity of the election, stating, "The election will be legal. If five people go out to vote, the majority will determine the legality, I have no doubt." However, the panelists also expressed concerns about the low turnout's effect on the election's legitimacy. Viri Ríos voiced frustration, saying, "I feel very frustrated because I do want an independent and technically capable judicial power, and clearly, we are not going to have that." Denise Maerker pointed out the issue of abstention, highlighting the lack of engagement from the population. "The abstention is the way out they chose; it's the laziness of not saying, let's save that court," she commented. The "Tercer Grado" segment underscores the complexities and challenges facing Mexico's judicial system. The low predicted voter turnout raises questions about the long-term implications for the country's democratic processes.