Judicial Branch campaigns begin in Quintana Roo, candidates call for votes

This Tuesday, April 29th, the electoral campaign period formally began to elect, for the first time by citizen vote, magistrates and judges of the Judicial Branch in Quintana Roo. Although the start was modest in terms of the number of posts, some candidates did not wait and began to disseminate their proposals through social media, the main channel allowed in this process.

According to the Quintana Roo Electoral Institute (Ieqroo), 167 people are vying for 117 elected judicial positions, including positions on the Superior Court of Justice, the Judicial Disciplinary Tribunal, and first-instance judges.

Councilor Maisie Contreras explained that this election is different from ordinary processes, as it is not associated with political parties or funded by public funds. "Quintana Roo is one of the states with a limited campaign period, practically a month, from April 29 to May 28, so that candidates can hold their campaign events," she said.

The councilor emphasized that all candidates should take advantage of the campaigns and focus on proposals, experience, and judicial vision to motivate citizens to participate in this electoral process.

"They can share their professional careers, merits, and views on the judicial system and the administration of justice. They can also use social media, as long as they don't pay for the amplification of their content," he commented.

Maisie Contreras also noted that the Ieqroo established that campaigns must remain within strict limits, including a spending cap of 99,609 pesos per candidate and a predominantly digital focus.

"They don't receive public funding, nor can they accept sponsorships. This is a self-funded, but monitored, process," the councilor warned.

With the campaign period barely underway, some candidates for the Judiciary took advantage of the first day to introduce themselves to the public, make their proposals public, and call for citizen participation.

Although most have kept a low profile during this first day, speeches are already beginning to emerge, focusing on closeness to the population, improving the judicial system, and equitable access to justice.

On social media, Ana Vidal, a candidate for supervisory judge with a specialization in juvenile criminal justice, emphasized her commitment to a humanistic approach to the administration of justice.

"I believe in a justice system that is approachable, sensitive, and listens to all voices, paying special attention to avoiding any form of inequality or discrimination. My work will be guided by unrestricted respect for human rights and the rule of law," he wrote.

Along the same lines, Adrián Pacheco, with 25 years of experience in the judiciary, focused his message on one of the system's main challenges: the slowness of legal proceedings.

"My commitment is clear: less bureaucracy, faster processes, and real solutions. Because justice that doesn't arrive on time isn't justice," he said.

Marco Antonio Cocom, who is seeking a position as a civil and family court judge, focused his message on the historic dimension of this election.

"This June 1st, I invite you to take part in the history of our state and our country. Go out and elect your judges," he wrote on social media.

To facilitate informed voting, Ieqroo launched the "Get to Know Them" microsite today, where you can view the background, photos, and proposals of all the candidates.

"We managed to get 100% of the candidates to register their resumes, experience, and proposals. This is key to enabling citizens to make informed decisions," he said.

He also noted that this microsite will be reinforced with the "Clic Judicial" platform. Unlike the former, where information about the candidates can be found, this platform will allow citizens to understand this electoral process in detail.

They can:

• Disseminate your professional career, merits and judicial proposals.
• Make social media posts with organic content (without payment).
• Participate in news interviews.
• Organize informational forums.
• Use printed advertising (on recyclable, biodegradable and non-toxic paper).
• Finance with your own resources up to a maximum of $99,609.

They cannot:

• Buy advertising on social media, radio, TV, print media, or billboards.
• Spreading slander, false accusations or offensive propaganda.
• Offering money, gifts, or benefits to citizens.
• Use propaganda with images of girls, boys or adolescents.
• Relate your image to political parties, social programs or public figures.
• Campaigning in the three days prior to and during election day.