Mexico made history on September 11, 2024, by becoming the first country in the world to allow voters to elect judges at all levels, after the Senate approved a controversial judicial reform. The move, heavily advocated by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, aims to democratize the judiciary, which he has criticized for serving the political and economic elite.
The reform passed with 86 votes in favor and 41 against, achieving the two-thirds majority needed to amend the constitution. Despite protests and diplomatic concerns, the ruling Morena party and its allies pushed the bill through.
Opponents, including court employees, law students, and activists, argue that the reform could undermine judicial independence, making judges more vulnerable to pressure from criminal organizations in a country plagued by cartel violence. Around 1,600 judges, including Supreme Court justices, will have to stand for election by 2025 or 2027.
While López Obrador defended the reform as a step towards reducing corruption, critics like Supreme Court Chief Justice Norma Piña have warned of potential risks, including increased susceptibility to criminal influence and weakened judicial independence. The United States and international human rights organizations have also expressed concern, fearing it could destabilize Mexico’s legal system and economic stability.
News Editor