**Senate Approves Secondary Laws for Judicial Reform; Sheinbaum Refuses to Meet with Ministers**
On October 10, 2024, the Senate passed the secondary laws related to the reform of the Federal Judiciary. These laws outline the regulations for the upcoming electoral process where judges, magistrates, and ministers will be elected on the first Sunday of 2025. The reform initiatives, which amend the General Law of Institutions and Electoral Procedures (LEGIPE) and the General Law of the Electoral System of Means of Challenge (LGSMIME), have been forwarded to the Chamber of Deputies.
With 81 votes in favor from parties Morena, the Green Ecologist Party of Mexico (PVEM), and the Labor Party (PT), and 40 against from the National Action Party (PAN), the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and the Citizen Movement (MC), the modifications to LEGIPE concerning the election of Federal Judiciary officials were approved. Additionally, a project involving updates to the LGSMIME was passed with 75 votes for and 37 against, addressing the means of challenge during the election process.
These legal changes establish election rules for 896 judges, magistrates, and ministers, set for June 1, 2025. Notably, a proposal to include a “right of veto” against candidates by the Union’s powers was excluded from the additions.
The reforms aim to guide the public’s participation in judicial elections, covering aspects such as nominations, election organization, campaigns, and opinion polls.
Ahead of the voting, Senate President José Gerardo Rodolfo Fernández Noroña informed about the receipt of necessary information from the Federal Judiciary Council (CJF). Despite this, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced she would not meet with Supreme Court ministers, emphasizing that such engagement falls under the Interior Secretary’s responsibility. She pointed out the divided vote within the CJF regarding the decision to hand over information pertinent to the 2025 judicial elections.
Furthermore, Sheinbaum criticized the Supreme Court for admitting challenges brought by opposition parties concerning constitutional amendments, arguing that political parties lack the standing to present these cases unless electoral issues are involved.
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**In Related News: Controversy Over Judicial Elections Intensifies**
As the judicial reform process advances, debates continue to escalate regarding the transparency and fairness of the upcoming elections. Critics argue that the approved laws fail to address crucial concerns about potential biases in the selection process. Some organizations have expressed worries that the exclusion of the veto right could influence the impartiality of appointments within the judicial system.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have ramped up their efforts to challenge the constitutionality of these reforms. They contend that the changes could centralize power within the ruling party, undermining the judiciary’s independence. The ongoing legal battles are expected to culminate in significant court rulings that may impact the reform’s implementation.
As the June 2025 election date approaches, stakeholders will closely monitor developments, anticipating further political maneuvers and legal challenges.