Judicial Reform in Mexico: How the 2024-2025 Selection Process Unfolds

A Historic Shift in Mexico’s Judiciary

Mexico’s judicial system is undergoing a landmark transformation, marking a shift toward greater democratic participation in selecting Supreme Court ministers, magistrates, and judges. This change stems from the 2024 constitutional reform, which established a new selection process overseen by evaluation committees from the Executive and Legislative branches.

Despite facing opposition from within the Judiciary itself, the judicial selection process for the 2024-2025 term continues to move forward, ensuring that the will of the people prevails.

The Role of the Executive and Legislative Committees

Following the constitutional reform of September 2024, the Executive and Legislative evaluation committees assumed the responsibility of reviewing and selecting candidates for key judicial positions.

These committees meticulously examined applications, conducted interviews, and verified qualifications before finalizing the lists of eligible candidates for the judicial selection process. Their efforts contrast sharply with the actions of the Judiciary’s own evaluation committee, which chose to suspend the process, violating constitutional mandates and delaying the transition.

The Judiciary’s Resistance: A Legal and Political Battle

The decision by the Judiciary’s evaluation committee to halt the selection process has sparked intense debate. Critics argue that this move directly contravenes the 2024 constitutional reform, undermining the legitimacy of the new judicial selection framework.

Many see this resistance as an attempt by sitting Supreme Court ministers and federal judges to preserve their privileges, rather than uphold the Constitution. The refusal to comply with the new selection procedures has reinforced public perception that Mexico’s Judiciary remains insulated from democratic oversight.

Senate Takes Over to Ensure Compliance

To prevent further delays and protect the rights of registered candidates, the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) ruled that the Mexican Senate should continue the selection process.

As a result, the Senate conducted the official drawing of candidates on February 6, ensuring transparency and adherence to constitutional procedures.

Key dates in the process include:

• February 6 – Final approval of candidate lists by government bodies
• February 8 – Lists submitted to the evaluation committees
• February 12 – Senate forwards validated lists to the National Electoral Institute (INE)

Despite resistance from within the Judiciary, the process is proceeding as planned, demonstrating that Mexico’s democratic institutions are upholding the legal framework of judicial reform.

Local Judicial Elections: A Nationwide Shift

Beyond the federal level, Mexico’s states are also experiencing judicial reforms, with local selection processes unfolding across multiple regions. These changes reflect a broader commitment to increasing transparency, accountability, and public participation in judicial appointments.

The growing momentum of these reforms signals a shift toward a more democratic, inclusive, and accessible justice system that aligns with the needs of a modern Mexico.

The Path Forward for Judicial Reform in Mexico

As the judicial selection process continues, Mexico faces a pivotal moment in its democratic evolution. The successful implementation of the 2024-2025 judicial selection process will set a precedent for future reforms, reinforcing public trust in the rule of law.

However, challenges remain. The Judiciary’s resistance raises concerns about institutional conflicts and power struggles within Mexico’s legal system. Addressing these tensions will be crucial to ensuring that judicial independence is maintained while also fostering a more democratic and accountable system.

The 2024-2025 judicial selection process in Mexico represents a defining moment in the country’s legal history. As the Senate and other governing bodies move forward with the mandated constitutional procedures, it becomes increasingly clear that judicial reform is here to stay. Despite efforts to block its progress, the principles of democracy and transparency continue to guide the transformation of Mexico’s judiciary.