Elected ministers faces financial penalties by the INE for their presence in accordion performances; sanctions total 255,000 pesos
In a significant move to uphold electoral integrity, the National Electoral Institute (INE) in Mexico has imposed fines on 177 winning judicial candidates, including those for the Supreme Court, following allegations of irregularities during the country's first-ever national judicial elections held on June 1, 2025.
The historic election, which appointed around 7,700 judges nationwide, aimed to democratize the judicial appointment process, previously based solely on appointments. However, the election saw a record low turnout of only 13%, raising concerns about its legitimacy and the election of the most qualified candidates.
Critics warned that the ruling party could dominate the results, and candidates with questionable backgrounds might succeed. Indeed, one winning candidate represents a major drug lord’s legal defense. The fines imposed by INE address electoral violations such as improper campaigning and noncompliance with regulations designed to ensure fair competition and transparency.
The fines vary depending on the type of irregularity and the judicial position sought. For example, Loretta Ortiz, a candidate for the Supreme Court, received the highest sanction of 255,017 pesos, while the next president of the Court, Hugo Aguilar, received a sanction of 79,424 pesos, and Irving Espinosa Betanzo received a sanction of 79,198 pesos.
Councilor Uuc-kib Espadas stated that the accordions alone could not determine the result of the judicial election. However, Councilor Claudia Zavala emphasized the need to take the investigation into the accordions seriously, as it would be serious for the Mexican electoral system if the authority ignored it. Councilor Jaime Rivera suggested that the distribution of accordions could be supported by political power groups, including governments, political parties, associated guilds, or criminal groups.
The fines for the winning candidacies are based on 10% of the campaign expenses for each election and an analysis of each person's economic capacity, causing the fines to vary. If the fines are not paid, they will be sent to the SAT for collection. For those with more than one fine and exceeding their economic capacity, the fines can be paid in installments defined by the Technical Unit for Enforcement.
Meanwhile, outside of the judicial election, four members of "Los Salgueiro" were sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking, and they are linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. In a separate development, Andy López Beltrán, formerly of Prada, was spotted at a 5-star hotel.
In a positive note, the court also ruled in favor of migrant children, granting them the right to seek refugee status with professionals. This decision marks a significant step towards protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals in Mexico.
- The war-and-conflicts related to drug trafficking in Mexico continue, as four members of "Los Salgueiro" were sentenced to up to 20 years in prison for drug trafficking, and they are linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
- Amidst the general-news of the judicial election, the policy-and-legislation surrounding the electoral process took center stage, as the National Electoral Institute (INE) imposed fines on 177 winning candidates, including those for the Supreme Court.
- The fines for the winning candidacies are not just a matter of car-accidents or accidents, but rather a significant part of the crime-and-justice system, based on 10% of the campaign expenses for each election and an analysis of each person's economic capacity, causing the fines to vary.
- The court's ruling in favor of migrant children provides a glimmer of hope in the domain of crime-and-justice and general-news, as it grants them the right to seek refugee status with professionals, marking a significant step towards protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals in Mexico.
