Fact Check: "Only 13% of eligible voters participated in recent judicial elections."
What We Know
The claim that only 13% of eligible voters participated in the recent judicial elections in Mexico is supported by multiple sources. According to estimates from the national electoral authority, voter turnout ranged from 12.6% to 13.3%, marking one of the lowest participation rates in any federal election since Mexico transitioned to democracy in the early 2000s (source-1, source-4). This election was significant as it was the first time in Mexican history that judges were elected by popular vote, a shift from an appointment-based system (source-2).
The low turnout has raised concerns about the legitimacy of the election, with nearly 90% of eligible voters abstaining (source-1). Critics have described the election process as confusing, with many voters feeling overwhelmed by the number of candidates and the complexity of the voting system (source-1, source-4).
Analysis
The claim is substantiated by reliable sources, including major news outlets like The New York Times and El País, which reported on the election's low turnout figures. The data presented by these sources is consistent, indicating a turnout of approximately 13% (source-1, source-4).
Moreover, the context surrounding the election, including the controversial nature of the judicial reforms and the political climate, adds credibility to the reported turnout figures. The election was characterized by significant public confusion and criticism, which likely contributed to the low participation rate (source-1, source-6).
While some sources, such as Al Jazeera, have pointed out that the ruling party, Morena, labeled the election a success despite the low turnout, this does not detract from the fact that the participation rate was indeed very low (source-6).
Conclusion
The claim that only 13% of eligible voters participated in the recent judicial elections in Mexico is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources consistently supports this figure, highlighting a significant level of voter abstention and raising concerns about the legitimacy of the electoral process.
Sources
- Low Turnout in Mexico's Judicial Election Fuels Legitimacy Concerns - The New York Times
- 2025 Mexican judicial elections - Wikipedia
- (Not applicable)
- Mexico's first judicial elections draw only 13% of eligible voters - El País
- (Not applicable)
- Turnout low as Mexico votes in controversial judicial election - Al Jazeera
- (Not applicable)
- Six Facts to Understand Mexico's 2025 Judicial Elections - American Council on Foreign Affairs
