Sheinbaum advocates for a vote in the Judicial Power election: "Absolutely, it's about the people's voice," he comments.
President Claudia Sheinbaum Advises Citizens to Vote in Judicial Election: Post-Election Campaigning Prohibited
President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has confirmed that while she can encourage citizen participation, campaigning for any candidate in Mexico's recently concluded judicial election is no longer permissible. Speaking at a press conference held at the National Palace, the president urged everyone to cast their votes during Sunday's election.
"Now that the election has concluded, discussions about candidates' campaigns are no longer possible," President Sheinbaum stated. "However, we can certainly talk about citizen participation," she added. Reiterating her call, she emphasized, "Everyone should vote this Sunday."
The president's statements come amidst ongoing concerns about political influence and transparency in the judicial election process. The recent judicial reform and electoral framework established for these unprecedented elections have introduced campaigning restrictions, post-election oversight mechanisms, and concerns regarding political subordination of the judiciary rather than its independence. Candidates are prohibited from accepting funding and purchasing advertisements during the campaign period, while vote-mobilization by political structures plays a critical role in electoral success.
After the election concludes, the Tribunal of Judicial Discipline, comprising five elected members, takes over as the main mechanism for accountability. This tribunal holds broad powers to oversee all judges except for Supreme Court justices and electoral magistrates, and can impose sanctions including suspensions, removals, financial penalties, and even refer cases for criminal prosecution. The Tribunal effectively controls judicial conduct post-election.
While specific post-election campaigning rules are not explicitly detailed, the nature of judicial elections and the creation of the Tribunal of Judicial Discipline imply that post-election, judges become subjects of ongoing oversight rather than continued electoral campaigning. The focus shifts from campaigning to judicial performance and discipline as enforced by the tribunal.
In light of these developments, the president's call for citizens to participate in the judicial election certainly carries significant weight. The election results will determine the composition of the judiciary, and it is through the exercise of their democratic rights that citizens can contribute to a transparent and accountable judiciary. This is a crucial step towards fostering trust and confidence in Mexico's judicial system.
"Following the judicial election, discussions about candidates' campaigns are now prohibited, as stated by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, but it's important to continue talking about citizen participation in policy-and-legislation matters, such as the recent elections and their impact on general-news issues like political changes and judicial accountability."
"Post-election, the focus shifts from campaigning to judicial performance and discipline, as enforced by the Tribunal of Judicial Discipline. The president's call for citizen participation carries significant weight, as the election results will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Mexico's judicial system and fostering a transparent and accountable judiciary."
