Mexico’s justice system is undergoing a major transformation as career judges are being replaced by judges elected through popular vote. Supporters say the reform aims to tackle corruption and enhance accountability, while critics warn it risks concentrating power.

Mexico City

Mexico has implemented a significant reform to its justice system by allowing judges to be elected through popular vote for the first time. The change, promoted by the governing Morena party, is intended to address longstanding concerns about nepotism and corruption within the judiciary. However, critics argue that the new system may undermine judicial expertise and independence, as candidates now require only a law degree, a good grade, and letters of recommendation, potentially allowing inexperienced individuals to assume judicial roles.

Supporters of the reform believe it will bring greater diversity and fresh perspectives to the judiciary, while opponents worry it could enable the ruling party to consolidate power by influencing judicial appointments. The effectiveness of the reform in improving Mexico's justice system remains uncertain, with opinions divided on whether it will strengthen or weaken the rule of law.

Mexico justice system overhauled as judges elected by popular vote

It took Juana Fuentes 16 years working through Mexico's legal system to become a judge. Now she says that wealth of experience and expertise is being discarded. In Mexico's new system, judges have been elected for the first time via popular vote. The only main requirements of most candidates are law degree, good grade and five letters of recommendation. They are people without experience, and what has distinguished the current system is the judicial school of life, what we do day by day, and this judicial school, as we call it, is what allows you to develop the skills to resolve conflicts. The governing party, Morena, says new faces are necessary to clear out nepotism and corruption. Juana rejects that. She says that mechanisms are already in place to curb both. What for you is the real reason the government's pushed judicial reform? Because it doesn't like checks and balances, and we should accept, I say this as part of one branch, that in a democratic system we must listen to everyone, even minorities, so that our actions don't become arbitrary. Morena already controls the executive and legislative branches. A major complaint is that it has used the election to get its preferred candidates into judges' chairs too. A cheat sheet even emerged suggesting who to vote for. Delia Carroa is one of the new judges. She says she has no links to Morena. Delia, what's the positive things about this judicial reform? From history we know that those who hold power tend to abuse it. So if it's a closed group that controls the judiciary, it's very likely, almost certain, that they will only favor their own interests. That's why the reform is an opportunity, so more people from different groups can take part. Diversity of opinions and perspectives from society is valuable. For her it's also personal. She studied for a law degree after her brother was disappeared, to try and get justice in his case. I come from the experience I've had of seeing the suffering of my family, of the other families of the missing. The only thing we wanted in our case was to find our missing loved one. So I thought maybe by holding some power, a position, those authorities would finally fulfill their obligations. She believes that new judges like herself will bring fresh commitment to getting cases resolved. But the jury is out on whether this reform will fix the system or just remove the last obstacle to Morena's absolute power. John Holman, Al Jazeera, Mexico City.

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