Mexico’s Senate Approves Controversial Judicial Reforms Allowing Election of Judges Amid Protests

In a highly charged session, Mexico’s Senate passed controversial judicial reforms on Wednesday after overcoming intense opposition, including protesters storming the chamber. The reforms, championed by President Andres Manuel López Obrador, aim to overhaul the country’s judicial system by introducing popular elections for judges, magistrates, and ministers, a move that critics argue threatens the independence of the judiciary. Despite the upheaval, the legislation obtained the necessary votes to proceed and now faces further ratification at the state level.

Senate Approval and Voting Outcome

• The reform, spearheaded by President López Obrador, received a two-thirds majority in the Senate, with 86 votes in favor and 41 against.
• Opposition to the reform, led by senator Miguel Ángel Yunes, initially resisted, but many of his members ultimately voted in favor of the legislation.
• The reform introduces a significant change to the Mexican Constitution, allowing for the popular election of judges, magistrates, and ministers.

New Judicial Discipline Tribunal

• A key component of the reform is the creation of a Judicial Discipline Tribunal, which will be responsible for investigating allegations of corruption, nepotism, and actions contrary to the law by members of the judiciary.
• This tribunal will have the authority to impose sanctions against judges found guilty of misconduct.
• The government argues that this will promote accountability and return control of the judiciary to the people.

Protests and Opposition Concerns

• On Tuesday, protesters stormed the Mexican Senate, temporarily halting the session. Critics of the reform argue that the popular election of judges compromises the independence of the judiciary and exposes the legal system to political influence.
• Human rights organizations have raised alarms, stating that political pressure from voters could disrupt impartial judicial processes.
• However, López Obrador’s administration has defended the reform, stating that “an effective judicial reform will return the control of the judiciary to the Mexican people” and curb corruption.

Legislative Process and Next Steps

• The bill passed through the lower chamber, which is dominated by Morena, the political party led by López Obrador.
• Now, the reform needs the approval of at least 17 state congresses to become a constitutional amendment.
• Recent developments indicate that 20 states have already endorsed the reform, including Mexico State and Guerrero.

Source: Jurist News