Mexico is on the brink of making world history with its judicial reforms that would shift its judiciary to an election-based system. This change, championed by President López Obrador, is set to revolutionize how judges are appointed in Mexico, making it one of the most sweeping overhauls attempted anywhere in the world. Legal scholars predict that nearly all of Mexico’s 7,000 judges could be affected by this measure, signaling a significant shift toward a more democratically-run judicial system.

The judicial reforms in Mexico are set to make the country’s judiciary more democratic than even the U.S. system. Currently, judges in Mexico are appointed by the President, who appoints judges in Mexico based on training and qualifications, but under the new measure, voters will have a say in electing judges. This move is unprecedented in many major democracies around the world and could potentially lead to a more transparent and accountable judicial system.

Legal scholars have noted that very few countries allow judges to be elected on a significant scale, let alone to the extent proposed by President López Obrador. This shift towards an election-based system for judges could give Mexican citizens a greater voice in shaping their legal system and holding judges accountable for their decisions. It also opens up opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds to run for judicial positions.

As Mexico embarks on this historic journey towards a more democratic judiciary, it faces challenges and uncertainties along the way. The success of these reforms will depend on how effectively they are implemented and whether they truly result in a more transparent and accountable judicial system. Nonetheless, this bold move by President López Obrador marks a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and representative legal system in Mexico.