Revolution in the Courtroom: Left-Wing Deputies Unleash Sweeping Judiciary Reform in Record Time
Judicial Reform Approved in Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies
359 votes in favor, 135 against, and zero abstentions
Mexico City, September 3 – The Judicial Reform was approved in the Chamber of Deputies with a majority vote of 359 in favor, 135 against, and zero abstentions. The reform, which was proposed by the ruling party Morena and its allies, aims to change the way judges, magistrates, and ministers are elected in Mexico.
The deputies had to meet in another location, the Deportivo Magdalena Mixhuca, due to a blockade by around 600 workers from the judiciary, who blocked all access to the Legislative Palace of San Lázaro.
The vote was held after six rounds of discussion, with representatives from each party presenting their points for or against the reform. Some deputies, such as Gustavo Adolfo de Hoyos Walther from the Citizen Movement, argued that the majority of magistrates and district judges fulfill their responsibility, and that their popular election “is not the right path.”
359 votes in favour, 135 against and 0 abstentions. The opinion was approved, in general, that the amendment, addition and repeal of the various provisions of the Political Constitution, regarding the amendment of the #Judicial Power.
— H. Chamber of Deputies (@Mx_Diputados) September 4, 2024
On the other hand, Deputy Gilberto Herrera Solórzano from Morena argued that the current judiciary is “corrupted,” and that a clear example of this is the cases of criminals it has released, as well as the pardon of a tax that has allowed “big businessmen” to benefit.
The reform aims to establish the popular election of judges, magistrates, and ministers, which would give citizens a greater say in the selection of these officials. The reform also aims to increase transparency and accountability in the judiciary.
Deputies during the General Session from another San Lázaro headquarters. Photo: Mario Jasso, Cuartoscuro.
The reform has been met with opposition from some parties, who argue that it is not the right solution to the problems facing the judiciary. However, supporters of the reform argue that it is a necessary step towards increasing transparency and accountability in the judiciary.
The next step for the reform is for it to be approved by the Senate, where it will face further debate and discussion.
The President’s reform would estimate that 34 positions in the Judicial Branch of the Federation would be elected by popular vote in 2025: five members of the new Disciplinary Court, 10 magistrates and 10 judges, and nine ministers of the Supreme Court of Justice of the Federation (SCJN).