The minister of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN), Javier Layvez, expressed his opinion on the selection of candidates for positions in the Judicial Branch of the Federation through a lottery. Layvez considered that this process goes against the Constitution, as the Electoral Tribunal made a decision that does not align with what is established in article 96 of the same.
In a radio interview, Laynez mentioned that the Constitution provides a regulation for situations where a list of candidates is not presented within the established period. In this regard, he read: "The powers that do not submit their nominations by the deadline set in the call will not be able to do so later." This provision is also repeated in the reform.
The lottery for candidates to positions in the Judiciary will take place on Thursday, January 30, in the Full Senate starting at 12:00 PM. It was originally scheduled for Friday, January 31, but was moved up by the Senate of the Republic.
Additionally, Laynez added that the transparency of the process will be compromised by electing the candidates in this way, as it breaks with equity and does not respect the constitutional norm.
On the other hand, the National Electoral Institute (INE) approved a catalog of infractions for the judicial election of 2025, which establishes restrictions for candidates, public servants, media, political parties, and citizens in general. Among the prohibitions are the hiring of media spots on radio and television, early campaign acts, dissemination of defamatory propaganda, among others.
Furthermore, public servants are prohibited from participating as moderators in forums, and the participation of members of political parties as observers in the judicial election will be sanctioned. Restrictions were also set for media concessionaires that disseminate polls during the electoral ban, as well as for citizens who hire media spots, conduct polls, or provide benefits in favor of a candidacy. The creation of a mailbox for notifications to candidates regarding agreements and resolutions of the INE is planned.
In this context, a process of random selection in the Senate is expected concerning the candidates to be drawn, particularly in cases where there are more applicants than available positions.
