Aguilar leads race for top court in Mexico
Indigenous rights defender Hugo Aguilar is emerging as the frontrunner in the race to lead Mexico’s Supreme Court after the country's first popular election for judicial appointments. With about 93% of the votes counted from election, Aguilar has secured roughly 5.43 million votes, representing 5.23% of the total, according to recent electoral data. His closest competitor, Lenia Batres, received around 4.89 million votes, or 4.96%.
Aguilar, a Mixtec lawyer from Oaxaca and the current lead rights coordinator for the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples, is celebrated for his dedicated work advocating Indigenous and land rights. His potential nomination is historic, as he would be the first Indigenous leader of the Supreme Court since the mid-19th century tenure of Benito Juárez, the Zapotec who both led the court and later became Mexico’s first Indigenous president. President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Aguilar’s lead, noting the long-awaited opportunity for Indigenous representation at the highest level of the judiciary.
This judicial election, featuring over 3,000 candidates for various posts nationwide, marks a significant reform intended to democratize the country's judiciary system. Despite the historic nature of the election, the process has not been without controversy. Critics point to a low voter turnout—around 13%—and express concerns about potential impacts on judicial independence. Nonetheless, many Indigenous groups view the reform as a historic opportunity to amplify their voices within the government.
Aguilar, who has also served as a legal advisor during past dialogues with the Zapatista National Liberation Army, emphasized that his vision for the judiciary includes a commitment to collective decision-making within Indigenous communities.
