Mexico"s judicial reforms spark global attention and controversy

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's judicial reforms, recently approved by lawmakers, will make Mexico the first country to elect judges and magistrates through popular vote. This controversial reform aims to address corruption within the justice system, as Lopez Obrador has criticized the judiciary for obstructing his proposed reforms in various sectors. The elections for judges will occur in 2025 and 2027, with candidates nominated by the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The reforms also include a reduction in the number of Supreme Court justices from 11 to 9 and a decrease in their terms from 15 to 12 years. The Supreme Court will gain the authority to evaluate judges' performance and initiate impeachment proceedings, reflecting a push for accountability within the judiciary. However, critics argue that these changes may compromise judicial independence and expose judges to external pressures, particularly from organized crime. Additionally, the introduction of faceless judges aims to protect their identities in cases involving organized crime, a measure that has drawn criticism for potentially obscuring judges' qualifications. This system has been previously implemented in other countries facing similar challenges, such as Colombia and El Salvador. The reforms have sparked significant debate, with opposition parties and human rights organizations expressing concerns about the implications for judicial integrity and the potential for increased influence from drug cartels. As Mexico embarks on this unprecedented judicial transformation, the global community watches closely, weighing the potential benefits against the risks involved.