MEXICO CITY, Sept 15 (Askume) – Mexico’s judicial reform will overhaul the country’s courts by allowing voters to elect judges, with the text of the constitutional changes taking effect after it was published in the government gazette on Sunday.
These reforms mark a major legislative victory in the final weeks of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s term.
López Obrador, who has often clashed with what he calls corrupt judges, believes the changes are needed to better serve the interests of ordinary citizens. Critics say selecting rather than appointing judges undermines the political independence of the judiciary and undermines investor confidence.
The reform was supported by López Obrador and approved by allies in Congress and most state legislatures earlier this month .
In a video posted on social media, López Obrador was seen sitting next to his successor Claudia Sheinbaum as he signed an order announcing the reform.
The publication of the constitutional reforms in the Official Gazette marks the beginning of preparations for the first judicial elections of federal judges, including those for the Supreme Court, to be held next June.
