Anibal Jose Baez
It's the same in our "civil law" jurisdiction here. Everyone is appointed.
The other day I was having a conversation in a car. We were 6 folks in the car, 2 of them lawyers. The lawyers were having a conversation about "judges" in PR.
So there was a moment that I just could not resist and interfered, and I said "Well, last time I checked, I could not find any "judges." A real jugde holds public trust, after the celebration of an election. What we have are unauthorized ADMINISTRATORS appointed by the governor."
After my comment, it was the most unconfortable silence I have ever witnessed.