As residents in Durango prepare to vote in Mexico’s first judicial elections, a surprising candidate is making headlines. Leopoldo Chavez is on the ballot for a federal judge position, despite having spent nearly six years in a U.S. prison for drug offenses. In 2015, he was convicted for smuggling over four kilograms of methamphetamines. Now, he is seeking a role in the very system that once incarcerated him.
Durango is located in Mexico’s Golden Triangle, a region notorious for its drug production, including marijuana and opium poppies. Chavez, who has been open about his past, stated in a video that he has nothing to hide and has served his time. He emphasized that he does not present himself as a perfect candidate.
Chavez is not alone in this election. Other candidates with controversial pasts are also running for judicial positions. For instance, Francisco Hernandez is vying to be a criminal magistrate in Jalisco, despite being dismissed from a previous judgeship due to allegations of sexual abuse and corruption. He has dismissed the accusations as slander. In Nuevo Leon, Fernando Escamilla aims to become a federal criminal judge, arguing that his legal work advising members of the violent Los Zetas cartel should not disqualify him.
The elections, set for June 1, have raised concerns among civil organizations, judge associations, and some lawmakers. Critics warn that the electoral process could undermine the rule of law in Mexico. This election follows a controversial judicial reform initiated by former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and supported by current President Claudia Sheinbaum. They claim the reform aims to root out corruption and empower citizens to choose their judges.
Around 5,000 candidates are competing for over 840 federal positions, including all Supreme Court justices. However, rights group Defensorxs has flagged about 20 candidates with criminal backgrounds, corruption allegations, or ties to drug cartels. An analysis by the Judicial Electoral Observatory has identified more than 130 candidates likely to win without serious opposition, raising further doubts about the integrity of the electoral process.
The reform, enacted in September 2024, has faced criticism for threatening judicial independence and allowing organized crime to exert more influence over the judiciary. It reduces the number of Supreme Court judges and alters the requirements for judicial positions, leading to fears of diminished checks and balances.
Candidates are prohibited from using campaign materials that connect them to political parties or accepting donations. Yet, the presence of candidates like Silvia Delgado, who previously represented El Chapo, has sparked debate. She argues that her past work does not define her integrity and insists that representing a notorious figure was a significant career opportunity.
As the election approaches, many in Mexico are questioning the vetting process for candidates. Concerns have been raised about the lack of thorough checks for foreign convictions and the rushed timeline of the election. The electoral authority has stated that any ineligible candidates will only be addressed post-election, further complicating the situation.
With the elections just around the corner, the outcome could have lasting implications for Mexico’s judiciary and its fight against corruption. Voters will have to decide whether to trust candidates with questionable backgrounds or seek a new path for their judicial system.