Title: Judges and Magistrates Decline Participation in Federal Judiciary Elections, Deemed “Humiliating” by JUFED
The Federal Judiciary Council has informed the Senate that 25 magistrates and four district judges have opted out of participating in upcoming Federal Judiciary elections. These elections are scheduled for June 1, 2025, and again in 2027. The decision involves judges and magistrates from Guerrero, Nuevo León, Mexico City, and other regions. This move has sparked a strong reaction from the Association of Judges and Magistrates, who have labeled it as “humiliating.”
These procedures took place in a recent session of the Senate where the so-called “judicial lottery” determined which magistracy and district court positions would be subject to the electoral process via a public drawing. This was overseen by the National Electoral Institute, with the presence of key senators to achieve quorum.
A significant element of the session was the announcement that eight female-led courts, where judges are pregnant or nursing, will delay their participation until the 2027 elections. The precedent of judges and magistrates being selected by public vote marks a historical decision for the country, intending to bring a broader democratization of the judiciary.
This reform will see 927 magistracy and 772 district judge positions filled through popular vote, with additional reforms slated for 2027. However, the judicial community has objected to this method, viewing it as an interference in their professional domain and a breach of the rule of law, as noted by JUFED in their formal protest.
In related developments, the National Executive Committee of the Action Party has expressed doubt about the firmness of this reform, suggesting that the Supreme Court might still find it unconstitutional.
In other news:
**Security Concerns in Tijuana: Cocaine Seizures and Rescues**
Recent reports indicate a man was detained with varying quantities of cocaine in Tijuana, as police and military sources differ on the exact amount confiscated. This incident underscores broader security challenges in the area, including the recent discovery of two bodies in the city’s east zone, and the successful rescue of two individuals who had been kidnapped. These events highlight the ongoing challenges in combating crime and ensuring public safety in the region.