As Mexico embarks on an unprecedented election to fill all judicial positions through direct popular vote, Silvia Delgado, a former lawyer for drug lord El Chapo, seeks to secure a penal judge role, facing backlash from critics who fear a potential conflict of interest.
From Defense Attorney to Judicial Candidate: A Controversial Journey
From Defense Attorney to Judicial Candidate: A Controversial Journey
Silvia Delgado, once the defense attorney for notorious drug lord El Chapo, is now campaigning for a judicial position in Mexico's upcoming election, stirring debate over her qualifications.
Silvia Delgado, who previously defended notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, is now running for a penal judge position in Mexico amidst a unique election process that will see the entire judiciary elected directly by the public. As she hands out her campaign leaflets near the Bridge of the Americas in Ciudad Juárez, Delgado is presented not just as an ordinary candidate but as a polarizing figure due to her past. Critics have raised concerns about her history with El Chapo, arguing it jeopardizes the integrity of her candidacy.
Defending her record, Delgado asserts, "Why should it disqualify me? For doing my job?" emphasizing her role as a professional lawyer tasked with safeguarding individual rights. Although she has no criminal charges or investigations against her, her name appeared on a list of "high risk candidates" released by human rights organization Defensorxs, highlighting concerns over individuals previously connected to organized crime.
Although she has rejected claims of any impropriety regarding her payments from El Chapo’s team, critics argue that past associations with cartels pose a risk to the judiciary's credibility. Delgado is vying for one of over 7,500 judicial seats following a controversial reform that has sparked widespread protests from legal professionals. The reform's critics, including Defensorxs' director Miguel Alfonso Meza, warn that this election risks further politicizing the judiciary, a sentiment shared by many opponents.
Simultaneously, other candidates like Olivia Aguirre Bonilla—an activist and legal advocate for human rights—are articulating their vision for a justice system that better serves the public, contrasting with the legacy of nepotism in legal appointments. Aguirre Bonilla argues that this election represents an opportunity for reform, allowing citizens to reclaim control over a judiciary traditionally dominated by elite interests.
As discussions surrounding the legitimacy of the electoral process continue, attention shifts to voter turnout in an election that could reshape the future of Mexico's judicial system. For Silva Delgado, winning this election could allow her to transform her controversial past into a new role in justice, but for many voters, the question remains: will her history complicate her ability to serve impartially as a judge?
