The ongoing judicial reform in Mexico has led to a direct clash between President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN). The president has accused the court of «violating the Constitution» after it rejected a list of judicial candidates selected by the Senate through a lottery system.
During her daily press conference, Sheinbaum criticized the court for not respecting the constitutional process and accused the justices of attempting to block the election of new judges and magistrates.
“We respect the separation of powers, but what cannot happen is that the Supreme Court violates the Constitution,” Sheinbaum stated.
The dispute highlights the growing tensions between Mexico’s executive and judicial branches as Sheinbaum pushes forward with sweeping judicial reforms.
Why Did the Supreme Court Reject the Candidates List?
The Supreme Court ruled against the 956 candidates selected by the Senate of the Republic. The selection process was ordered by the Electoral Tribunal of the Federal Judiciary (TEPJF) after the initial evaluating body, the Judicial Evaluation Committee, ceased operations following legal challenges.
The rejection was based on procedural concerns, with several justices arguing that the Senate lacked the authority to conduct the lottery. According to the Supreme Court, only the Judicial Evaluation Committee had the constitutional mandate to evaluate and shortlist candidates.
This decision has now left the judicial election process in limbo, further complicating the already contentious judicial reform.
Sheinbaum’s Stance: A Political Battle Over Judicial Authority
For Sheinbaum, the Supreme Court’s decision is a direct attack on judicial reform, which seeks to democratize the selection process of judges, magistrates, and justices.
She strongly defended the Tribunal Electoral’s authority in proceeding with the election of judicial officers, regardless of the Supreme Court’s ruling.
“They will not agree with anything, but the judicial election will proceed because the Electoral Tribunal has decided so,” Sheinbaum asserted.
Her remarks reinforce her administration’s commitment to restructuring Mexico’s judiciary, a move that has been met with strong opposition from legal experts, opposition parties, and members of the judiciary.
What Happens Next? The Ongoing Legal and Political Dispute
Despite the Supreme Court’s ruling, Gerardo Fernández Noroña, President of the Senate, has confirmed that the Electoral Tribunal will proceed with sending the candidate list to the National Electoral Institute (INE).
This move suggests a continued legal battle, as the Supreme Court is set to discuss the matter in the coming week.
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