Mexico’s Comprehensive Judicial Overhaul Officially Takes Effect

MEXICO CITY – Mexico’s sweeping judicial reform, which enables voters to elect judges, officially came into effect on Sunday following its publication in the government gazette.

This overhaul represents a significant legislative achievement for President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in the final weeks of his administration.

Lopez Obrador has often criticized judges as corrupt and has argued that this reform is essential to better represent the interests of ordinary citizens. However, critics warn that allowing the election of judges, rather than their appointment, could jeopardize the judicial system’s independence and deter potential investors.

The reform received strong backing from Lopez Obrador and was passed with the support of his allies in Congress and a majority of state legislatures earlier this month.

Lopez Obrador signed the decree for the reform’s publication alongside his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, in a social media video.

The publication of the constitutional reform officially initiates preparations for the upcoming judicial elections for federal judges, including those on the Supreme Court, which are scheduled for next June.