Mexico’s Senate Passes Judicial Reform Despite Protests, Objection From Supreme Court

The constitutional reform allows judges to be elected by popular vote, including to the Supreme Court, which it reduced from 11 to 9 members.

Opposition senators protest behind the executive table during a debate on judicial reforms in the Senate building in Mexico City on Sept. 10, 2024. Luis Cortes/Reuters

Mexico’s Senate has approved a sweeping judicial reform measure despite opposition from critics, including the Supreme Court, who argue the changes could undermine the independence of the judiciary.

The Senate’s 86–41 vote on Sept. 11 secured the two-thirds majority needed to pass the constitutional reform, which allows judges to be elected by popular vote, including to the Supreme Court. It also reduces the number of Supreme Court judges from 11 to nine, caps term length at 12 years, halves necessary work experience to five years, and abolishes a minimum age requirement of 35.