Mass Rallies in Mexico Highlight Divide Over President López Obrador’s Judicial Reform Proposals
Tens of thousands of supporters of Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador gathered to show their backing for his proposed judicial reforms, as he begins his final month in office, the Associated Pressed reports.
The rally on Sunday served as a demonstration of support for one of his most controversial initiatives: a plan to reform the judiciary, including a proposal to elect judges by popular vote.
The nation’s leader of the last six turbulent years, Pedro López Obrador, requested a symbolic show of hands during the event to determine support for the judicial reform. The overwhelming majority of those present raised their hands in agreement, especially with the notion of having judges chosen by popular vote. López Obrador strongly urged critics from around the world—especially those in the US—to take the reforms into consideration.
But not everyone agrees with the president’s suggestions. Opponents contend that the independence and expertise of the judiciary could be compromised by politically biased appointments resulting from the election of judges. On Sunday, demonstrators retook the streets with signs bearing catchphrases like “There is no future without justice.” This protest came after another one on August 25, indicating a large-scale opposition to the reforms.
Mexico’s Congress, where López Obrador’s Morena party and its allies hold a majority, is expected to vote on the proposed constitutional changes soon. Among the most debated aspects of the reforms is the elimination of seven autonomous bodies, including the National Institute of Transparency, a move that critics say could weaken democratic checks and balances.
The Chamber of Deputies, Mexico’s lower house of Congress, was scheduled to meet on Sunday afternoon for its first session since June’s elections, in which López Obrador’s coalition secured significant victories. However, the process has faced legal challenges. Critics have raised concerns about the fast-tracked procedure for the reforms, and a judge recently ruled that a discussion and vote could not take place on Sunday. The reforms will also need to pass through the Senate after the deputies vote.