Controversial Lawyer Elected as Local Judge in Mexico

Silvia Delgado has been elected as a local criminal judge in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, despite her past association with Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán's defense team. The election, part of a controversial reform to allow direct voting for judges, faced criticism for low citizen turnout and concerns over judicial independence.

A lawyer previously representing notorious drug lord Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán has made headlines by being elected as a local judge in Ciudad Juárez, marking a significant moment in Mexico's legal landscape. Silvia Delgado's election results were announced Tuesday, confirming her position amid a flurry of controversy.

This election is a first for Mexico, as it implemented reforms that allowed citizens to directly vote for judges, including high-ranking court officials. Delgado's candidacy was shrouded in allegations, with transparency advocates accusing her of having connections to organized crime—a claim she adamantly rejected. Delgado emphasized that her role in defending El Chapo was a professional obligation, underlining the importance of legal representation for all, regardless of charges.

El Chapo, whose real name is Joaquín Guzmán, was arrested and extradited to the U.S. where he received a life sentence for drug trafficking in 2019. Delgado's election campaign featured interviews where she maintained that becoming a judge would not bias her decisions or reflect any conflicts of interest.

Following the electoral announcement, Silvia Delgado hesitated to make any comment until her victory was formally certified. Mexico has witnessed a dismal voter turnout of just 13% in this judicial election, significantly lower than other federal electoral events, prompting discussions about the citizens' interest in judicial appointments.

Despite such criticisms, President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the judicial elections as a landmark success, arguing that this new approach enhances accountability and democracy within the judiciary.