Controversial Reform in Mexico: The People Get to Choose Judges

Mexico becomes the first in the world to let the people elect all the country's judges. When the constitutional amendment was to be approved in the senate, the building was stormed by demonstrators.

» Updated:

» Published:

Controversial Reform in Mexico: The People Get to Choose Judges
Photo: Eduardo Verdugo/AP/TT

Share this article

The judicial system must not fall! Stop the dictator!

Hundreds of opponents to the legislative proposal stormed the senate in Mexico City during the final debate on the issue. After a pause, the voting resumed in an older senate building.

The reform, which was approved with a vote of 86–41, means that judges in both higher courts and at the local level will be elected by the people from now on.

Outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has pushed for the change to be implemented before his successor, close ally Claudia Sheinbaum, takes over on October 1. The President has justified the change by saying that the current judicial system only serves the interests of the political and economic elite.

Critics argue that the reform threatens democracy and undermines the independence of the judiciary, as criminals may more easily be able to blackmail elected judges. In Mexico, powerful drug cartels often use bribes and threats to gain influence in politics and the judiciary.

Human Rights Watch has warned that the reform "will seriously undermine the independence of the judiciary".

Tags

Author

TTT
By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

More news

Zelenskyj Offers Citizenship to US Envoy Kellogg During Kyiv Visit

Zelenskyj Offers Citizenship to US Envoy Kellogg During Kyiv Visit

Erna Solberg to Resign as Høyre Leader After Election Setback

Erna Solberg to Resign as Høyre Leader After Election Setback

Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russian Nuclear Plant Thwarted

Ukrainian Drone Attack on Russian Nuclear Plant Thwarted

Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis to Combat Violent Crime

Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis to Combat Violent Crime

US Ordered Destruction of Millions in Birth Control Pills, Report Says

US Ordered Destruction of Millions in Birth Control Pills, Report Says

Two Injured in Knife Attack Near Jerusalem Hotel

Two Injured in Knife Attack Near Jerusalem Hotel

US Politicians Heighten Security After Charlie Kirk's Murder

US Politicians Heighten Security After Charlie Kirk's Murder

Kremlin Confirms Pause in Russia-Ukraine Negotiations

Kremlin Confirms Pause in Russia-Ukraine Negotiations

EU Extends Sanctions on Russia for Another Six Months

EU Extends Sanctions on Russia for Another Six Months

161 Suspected IS Members Arrested Across Turkey

161 Suspected IS Members Arrested Across Turkey

Nobel Peace Prize Committee Stands Firm Against External Influence

Nobel Peace Prize Committee Stands Firm Against External Influence

Denmark Makes Historic Air Defense Purchase Amid Rising Tensions

Denmark Makes Historic Air Defense Purchase Amid Rising Tensions

Tusk Refutes Trump's Claim on Russian Drone Incident in Poland

Tusk Refutes Trump's Claim on Russian Drone Incident in Poland

EU Environment Ministers Stalled on 2040 Climate Targets

EU Environment Ministers Stalled on 2040 Climate Targets

Charlie Kirk Nominated for EU's Sakharov Prize for Human Rights

Charlie Kirk Nominated for EU's Sakharov Prize for Human Rights

US Senators Accuse America of Complicity in Gaza Ethnic Cleansing

US Senators Accuse America of Complicity in Gaza Ethnic Cleansing

UN Approves Two-State Solution for Gaza Excluding Hamas

UN Approves Two-State Solution for Gaza Excluding Hamas

Russia and Belarus Begin Joint Military Exercise

Russia and Belarus Begin Joint Military Exercise

Rubio to Meet Qatar PM and Israeli Leaders After Attack

Rubio to Meet Qatar PM and Israeli Leaders After Attack

Death Toll Rises Amid Nepal Protests as Thousands of Inmates Escape

Death Toll Rises Amid Nepal Protests as Thousands of Inmates Escape