Mexico’s Controversial Judge: Ex-Lawyer for ‘El Chapo’ Wins Historic Election

In a move that has sparked both celebration and debate across Mexico, Silvia Delgado, a former defence lawyer for the notorious drug lord Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, has been elected as a local criminal judge in Ciudad Juárez. The announcement of the election results on Tuesday confirmed that Delgado had secured enough votes to take up the position, marking a historic moment in Mexico’s legal system.

This was the country’s first-ever judicial election, a radical change introduced by the government to make the courts more accountable to the people.

Delgado’s candidacy was one of the most controversial on the ballot. A leading transparency organisation accused her and several other candidates of having alleged links to organised crime. 

Delgado responded with strong denials, insisting that her work as a defence lawyer for El Chapo was simply part of her professional duty.

 “Everyone has the right to legal representation, no matter the accusations against them,” 

she told the BBC in an interview before the election. She also dismissed suggestions that her past work would create a conflict of interest if she became a judge.

Silvia Delgado, aged 51, was a key member of El Chapo’s defence team before the drug lord was extradited from Mexico to the United States in 2017. 

El Chapo, the former leader of the powerful Sinaloa cartel, was found guilty of drug trafficking in 2019 and is currently serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison in Colorado.

Delgado’s involvement in such a high-profile case has made her a well-known figure in legal circles, but it has also led to questions about her suitability for the bench.

The judicial election, held on June 1, was a major step in Mexico’s ongoing efforts to reform its legal system. 

The government and supporters of the new system argue that electing judges directly—including Supreme Court justices—will make the judiciary more democratic and responsive to the will of the people. 

However, critics warn that this approach could undermine the independence of the courts, making judges more vulnerable to political pressure and public opinion.

Turnout for the election was extremely low, at just 13%, the lowest ever recorded for a federal vote in Mexico. 

Many observers believe this shows a lack of enthusiasm among Mexicans for choosing judges directly. Despite the low participation, President Claudia Sheinbaum described the election as a “resounding success,” praising the new system for bringing greater transparency and accountability to the judiciary.

Delgado has stated that she will not make any further comments until her victory is officially confirmed. Her election has nevertheless become a focal point for discussions about justice, integrity, and the future of Mexico’s legal system.

 “This is a test for our democracy and our commitment to fair and impartial justice,” said one legal expert, speaking anonymously to local media.

The election of Silvia Delgado as a judge after her work defending El Chapo has sparked a heated debate in Mexico. Supporters see it as a victory for open justice, while critics worry about the risks to judicial independence. The low turnout suggests that many Mexicans remain sceptical of the new system, but the government insists that this is just the beginning of a new era for the country’s courts.

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