Mexico’s Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a bid to declare the election of judges unconstitutional, averting a potential standoff with President Claudia Sheinbaum, who says the contentious reforms are irreversible.
The constitutional amendment making Mexico the world’s only country to allow voters to choose judges at all levels — starting next year — has sparked opposition street protests and diplomatic tensions with Washington.
Last week, eight of 11 Supreme Court justices decided not to seek election in June 2025, submitting resignations that will mostly take effect next August.
After more than five hours of debate, the top court rejected a proposal by justice Juan Luis Gonzalez to declare the election of judges unconstitutional.
Sheinbaum on Monday accused the court of “overstepping its functions” by seeking to change reforms that have already been incorporated into the constitution.
“Eight justices cannot be above the people of Mexico,” she told a news conference.
“The people of Mexico are going to vote for judges, magistrates and justices,” added Sheinbaum, who took office on October 1, becoming the country’s first woman president.
