Mexico’s Judiciary Shake-Up: How Morena’s Sweep Could Redefine Democracy
In a move shaking the core of Mexico’s government, candidates closely aligned with the ruling Morena party have won every seat on the country’s freshly revamped Supreme Court, according to the final results announced this Wednesday. This is no ordinary judicial election — it’s a landmark overhaul that marks a dramatic realignment of power in Mexico’s highest court.
The New Supreme Court: A Morena Stronghold
The nine new justices poised to take office on September 1 all have strong ties to Morena, the dominant political party led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. This isn’t just a political win; it’s a sweeping transformation of Mexico’s judiciary, signaling a major shift in the balance of power between branches of government.
One of the most historic outcomes? Hugo Aguilar, expected to become the new chief justice, will be the first Indigenous person to hold this top judicial post since Benito Juárez — a revered 19th-century president and judge who remains an iconic figure in Mexican history. Aguilar is from the Mixtec community in southern Oaxaca, one of Mexico’s long-marginalized Indigenous groups, making his rise a powerful symbol of change.
Low Turnout, High Controversy
The election, held last Sunday, was controversial from the start. Voter turnout was extremely low, with only about 13% of eligible voters casting ballots. Despite this, Sheinbaum praised the results as a “marvelous” success and a triumph for democracy. She framed the wholesale replacement of the judiciary as a long-overdue cleansing of corruption and nepotism.
Critics, however, aren’t so sure. Many independent observers see this election as less about justice and more about politics. Stephanie Brewer from the Washington Office on Latin America put it bluntly: “This is a setback for democracy in Mexico. When one party controls all three branches of government, democratic checks and balances begin to break down.”
Politics vs. Justice: What’s at Stake?
Morena’s consolidation doesn’t stop at the Supreme Court. The party also holds commanding majorities in Congress and controls numerous state and local governments. For some, this concentration of power is alarming — especially when the new Supreme Court is smaller (nine justices instead of eleven) and will have diminished authority to challenge presidential or congressional actions.
Mexican business groups like Coparmex have raised red flags about potential consequences for the economy. “Without independent justice, there is no sustainable investment,” Coparmex warned, stressing that Mexico’s legal credibility is key to attracting and keeping foreign investment, particularly from the U.S., its largest trading partner.
Aguilar: Indigenous Representation Meets Legal Leadership
Aguilar’s expected appointment as chief justice has drawn both praise and scrutiny. His decision to wear traditional Indigenous attire instead of the customary black robes has become a cultural flashpoint. While some critics mock the choice, President Sheinbaum has defended Aguilar’s desire to honor his roots, calling it a “profound change” for a country where Indigenous people — who make up roughly 10% of the population — have long faced poverty and discrimination.
Aguilar isn’t just a symbolic figure. From humble beginnings, he has openly said that his passion for defending Indigenous rights motivated him to pursue law. Today, he serves as the head of human rights affairs at the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples. His legal skills and dedication to marginalized communities have earned him praise, with Oaxaca human rights lawyer Joaquín Galván describing him as “a brilliant lawyer.”
Still, Galván advises caution: “We shouldn’t put him on a pedestal just because he’s Indigenous. It’s important to recognize his strengths but also hold him accountable.”
The Maya Train Controversy and Allegations of Compromise
Some detractors accuse Aguilar of aligning too closely with Morena’s agenda, particularly regarding controversial development projects like the $25 billion Maya Train. This massive infrastructure initiative, heavily promoted by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (Morena’s founder and Sheinbaum’s mentor), has faced backlash from Indigenous groups concerned about environmental damage and disruption to native lands.
“Aguilar has been a clear promoter and defender of Morena’s government,” Galván said, hinting at tensions between his Indigenous advocacy and political alliances.
Morena’s Grip on the Judiciary
Other winners in the judicial election include sitting justices already appointed by López Obrador: Lenia Batres Guardarrama, Yasim Esquivel, and Loretta Ortiz. By law, the new court will be composed of five women and four men, a nod to gender balance.
The judiciary overhaul was López Obrador’s last major push before his term ends. For years, he sparred with Mexico’s Supreme Court over reforms, including his efforts to reshape the electoral system. His final gambit was this judicial election, which Morena championed as a way to wrest control of the courts from entrenched interests.
Democratic Concerns and Accusations of Bias
Opponents argue that this concentration of power undermines democracy. The separation of powers — a cornerstone of democratic governance — is at risk when one party controls the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Independent watchdogs fear that without judicial independence, Mexico could slide toward authoritarianism.
Sheinbaum has dismissed many of these criticisms as “classism and racism,” accusing detractors of spreading “hate” against Aguilar and Morena’s reforms. Yet, international observers and business leaders remain skeptical.
What’s Next for Mexico’s Democracy?
Mexico’s judicial election marks a unique experiment — it’s reportedly the first country in the world to elect all of its judges nationwide, from the Supreme Court down to thousands of local magistrates. While the goal is to democratize justice, the results have sparked a heated debate about whether the system is truly independent or just another branch of political power.
For the millions of Mexicans, especially Indigenous communities, Aguilar’s rise could be a beacon of hope and representation long overdue. But the broader implications of Morena’s judiciary sweep will shape Mexico’s political landscape for years to come — for better or worse.
Quick Takeaways:
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Morena party wins every Supreme Court seat, consolidating power across Mexico’s government.
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Hugo Aguilar to become the first Indigenous chief justice since Benito Juárez.
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Election turnout was low, only 13%, sparking legitimacy concerns.
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Critics warn this undermines democratic checks and judicial independence.
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Business groups warn it could harm investment and economic stability.
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Aguilar’s Indigenous roots and attire signal cultural change but spark debate.
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Controversial projects like the Maya Train remain contentious within Indigenous communities.
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Sheinbaum defends election as a victory over corruption, dismissing criticism as racist.
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