Extraordinary Judicial Elections: Key Points and Challenges on June 1, 2025

On June 1, 2025, the extraordinary electoral process for the Federal Judiciary Power (PJP) 2024-2025 will take place. This election will see judicial positions filled through popular vote.

• 881 total judicial positions to be elected at the federal level and hundreds of local positions in 19 states.

5 Key Points and Challenges of the Process:

1. Largest Election in Mexican History: With 881 federal positions and numerous local judicial posts, this election will be the most extensive in Mexico’s history.
2. Additional Local Elections: Durango and Veracruz will also hold elections for municipal presidencies, syndicates, and council seats, increasing complexity in these states’ electoral processes.
3. Organizational Challenges
• Rapid execution leading to insufficient resources for quality organization.
• Voter mobilization’s significant role in determining outcomes.
• Complex ballots and low campaign spending limits hindering informed voter engagement.
• Unreported financial and in-kind contributions during campaigns.
4. Disparate Voting
• Voters in Mexico City will have greater influence, as they can select judges with nationwide impact due to the concentration of federal courts and specialized tribunals there.
5. Long-term Implications for Justice
• Majority winners, likely backed by the government and ruling coalition, may prioritize political loyalty over judicial autonomy.
• Over time, this could erode the federal judiciary’s role as a balance to executive and legislative powers, though local judicial bodies will remain subject to political control.