Mexico's first judicial elections marked by low turnout, confusion and disillusionment

Instead of judges being appointed on a system of merit and experience, Mexican voters are now choosing between some 7,700 candidates vying for more than 2,600 judicial positions.

MEXICO CITY — Mexico held its first judicial elections Sunday, stirring controversy and sowing confusion among voters who struggled to understand a process set to transform the country's court system.

Polls closed and poll workers began counting colored ballots Sunday night with the question hanging in the air of what will become of Mexico's judiciary, the answer to which will only emerge in the coming days as results roll in.

Mexico's electoral authority announced late in the night that 13% of Mexico's 100 million voters cast ballots at the polls, lagging far behind the 60% turnout just a year before during the country's presidential election.

Nevertheless, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called the voting "a complete success."

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum shows her inked finger after voting Sunday.Rodrigo Oropeza / AFP - Getty Images"Mexico is the most democratic country in the world," she added.