Controversial Legal Figure Takes Judicial Office in Ciudad Juárez

Silvia Delgado, previously part of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's defense team, has been elected as a local criminal judge in Ciudad Juárez, sparking controversy and raising questions about judicial independence following Mexico's first-ever judicial elections.

Former lawyer Silvia Delgado, who previously defended drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, has been elected as a local criminal judge in Ciudad Juárez, marking a significant moment in Mexico's judicial landscape. The elections, held on June 1, were Mexico's first-ever direct judicial votes, a reform initiated by the governing Morena party aimed at increasing the democracy of the judiciary.

Delgado’s candidacy elicited controversy even before she won enough votes for the position, as transparency organizations flagged her potential connections to organized crime. Delgado has staunchly denied these accusations, asserting that her role as a legal defender is a fundamental part of the justice system, where everyone is entitled to a defense.

El Chapo, who was extradited to the United States in 2017, was sentenced to life in prison for drug trafficking in 2019, yet Delgado argues that his right to legal counsel should not hinder her career aspirations or raise concerns about her integrity as a judge. After the election results were released, Delgado chose to remain silent until her victory is officially confirmed.

This election, branded as a significant step towards a more democratic judiciary, faced criticism for its low voter turnout of just 13%, the lowest in Mexico's history of federal elections. Many experts suggest that the disinterest among the electorate signifies a lack of enthusiasm for the new judicial voting process. In contrast, President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the election as a significant achievement for Mexico, emphasizing the importance of direct accountability of judges to the public.