Mexico’s ruling party expands power in Supreme Court after elections marred by low turnout

CNN —

Mexico’s ruling party Morena will gain control of the Supreme Court following the country’s first-ever judicial elections , which were marred by low voter turnout and allegations of a power grab.

Preliminary results from Sunday’s race showed candidates linked with Morena winning most seats on the judiciary. With the victory, the party will now have a firm grip over every branch of government, a change that democracy advocates say weakens the country’s checks and balances.

Critics have also warned that the election itself poses a risk to democracy, arguing that by having judges elected through popular vote, the independent authority of the courts could be compromised, and with it, their ability to uphold the law and keep other powers in check at a time of rampant crime and corr