Demonstrators marched in Mexico City against a historic vote to elect judges, with critics warning the move could weaken judicial independence and empower political or criminal interests.

Protesters marched through Mexico City on Sunday to oppose the country’s first-ever nationwide judicial elections.

For the first time in Mexico’s history, more than 2,600 judges and magistrates — including Supreme Court justices and hundreds serving in federal, state, and local courts — will be chosen through popular vote, replacing the traditional appointment-based system.

Demonstrators, including members of the judiciary, gathered at the Monument to the Revolution, denouncing the election as a fraud. Critics raised concerns about how the process was organized and opposed the idea of judges being elected by popular vote.

Opponents argue the reform could undermine checks and balances by enabling the ruling Morena party to install sympathetic judges, while also opening the door for organized crime to influence the judiciary by fielding their own candidates.

The government, however, defends the move as a necessary step to eliminate corruption in what it describes as an elitist and disconnected judiciary, saying it will empower citizens to choose who serves as judge.

Pollsters anticipated low voter turnout, citing calls from the opposition to boycott the vote and the sheer complexity of the process, including the large number of candidates.

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