Mexico"s Congress votes to let voters choose judges soon

Mexico's Congress has passed legislation that could lead to a significant transformation of the judiciary, allowing voters to elect judges instead of relying on an appointment-based system. This change, championed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, aims to combat corruption within the judicial system, which has been marred by issues such as graft and nepotism. The proposed reforms would affect over 7,000 judges, including those at the federal and state levels, and would reduce the qualifications needed to run for a judgeship, requiring only a law degree and some legal experience. The legislation has already cleared the lower house and has passed the Senate, despite protests that disrupted the session. It is now set to be reviewed by Mexico's state legislatures, where it is anticipated to gain approval. This overhaul is considered one of the most extensive judicial reforms in recent history, with few countries allowing judges to be elected to such a degree. Supporters of the measure argue that it is essential for modernizing the judiciary and restoring public trust. The current system has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability, which has led to widespread skepticism among citizens. López Obrador's administration believes that by enabling voters to choose judges, the judiciary will become more representative and responsive to the public's needs. Claudia Sheinbaum, who will succeed López Obrador as president on October 1, has expressed her full support for the initiative. If successful, this reform could reshape the judicial landscape in Mexico, potentially influencing how justice is administered in the country for years to come.