Mexico holds controversial vote to elect judges

Supporters of the controversial election believe this is needed to overhaul its judicial system known for corruption and inefficiency.

But critics say the vote will politicize the judiciary in a country plagued by crime and gang violence.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has staunchly defended the decision to hold these elections. The elections were championed by her predecessor and mentor, former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

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“Those who want the regime of corruption and privileges in the judiciary to continue say this election is rigged. Or they also say it’s so a political party can take over the Supreme Court. Nothing could be further from the truth,” she said in a video message.

Opponents of the vote marched in Mexico City, chanting slogans like “hands off our democracy” and “no to electoral fraud.”

“It was the last counterweight we had against the totalitarianism of the executive branch,” 58-year-old Ismael Novela told AFP news agency about the judiciary.