Mexico held its first judicial elections Sunday, making it the only nation in the world to select judges and magistrates by popular vote.
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.
"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.
Tough task for voters
Voters had to elect around 880 federal judges — including Supreme Court justices — as well as hundreds of local judges and magistrates. Another election for the remaining judicial positions will be held in 2027.
Turnout appeared to be low as many voters struggled to choose from hundreds of largely unknown candidates.
"We are not very prepared. I think we need more information," Lucia Calderon, a 63-year-old university teacher told AFP.
Some voters said they felt pressurized to vote, while others said they felt disillusioned with the corrupt system.
"I'm not interested (in voting). Parties and their messages — they come and they go. It's all the same," Raul Bernal, a factory worker told the AP news agency.
Rights group Defensorxs said it considered around 20 candidates "high risk," including Silvia Delgado, a former lawyer for the Sinaloa Cartel co-founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.
