### Primary Article
**Judicial Reform in Baja California: Fragoso Pledges Commitment**
Alejandro Isaac Fragoso López, President of the Superior Court of Justice of Baja California, has expressed his readiness to engage in the implementation of a judicial reform, should it be approved at the federal level. The proposed reform, which aims to introduce the popular election of judges, magistrates, and ministers, has advanced through committee approval and is now pending in the Senate.
On September 10, the Senate gave its first reading to the proposed amendments to various articles of the Constitution, intended to overhaul the Federal Judicial Power. Fragoso López stated that if the reform is enacted, it will subsequently need approval from state legislatures and will eventually require corresponding legal adjustments at the state level.
“We have already had numerous discussions with Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda and the members of the XXV Legislature of Baja California to explore how the new laws can be integrated,” said Fragoso López. “Our Judiciary is in excellent coordination with the Governor and legislators, ensuring that the profiles of individuals who will occupy judicial positions under this reform will be thoroughly analyzed and qualified.”
Fragoso López emphasized that the reform seeks to address public demand for more sensitive judges who are in tune with societal needs. He assured the public of continued judicial independence and autonomy while adapting to the proposed changes.
The reform, endorsed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, has faced critique from various political figures. Marko Cortés Mendoza, leader of the National Action Party, voiced concerns that the reform could weaken the rule of law and open the door for organized crime to influence judicial elections.
Fragoso López remained optimistic. “The Governor has assured me personally that she supports the judicial career track and respects all judicial appointments,” he remarked. “This reform excludes explicit campaigning, reducing the risk of undue influence.”
Fragoso López participated in this dialogue during a session with the Tijuana Bar Association on September 10.
### Secondary Article
**International Reactions and Concerns Over Mexico’s Judicial Reform**
As Mexico debates significant changes to its judicial election process, various international observers and human rights organizations have weighed in. Concerns range from the potential impacts on judicial independence to broader implications for democracy and rule of law in the country.
Critics argue that the proposed reform could compromise judicial neutrality by making judges more susceptible to political pressures and popular sentiments. The European Union and other international bodies have expressed cautious skepticism, urging Mexican lawmakers to consider safeguards that protect judicial impartiality.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have stressed the importance of ensuring that any changes uphold the principles of fair and unbiased justice. They argue that while increasing public accountability within the judicial system is essential, it must be balanced against maintaining the judiciary’s independence.
In contrast, some proponents of the reform maintain that introducing popular elections for judicial positions could democratize the judiciary and make it more responsive to public needs. They argue that current appointment processes are opaque and prone to favoritism, and that electoral accountability could enhance transparency.
The coming weeks will be crucial as both domestic and international stakeholders continue to debate the potential impacts of this transformative judicial reform.