Mexico's judicial reform, which will allow voters to choose judges, officially went into effect after as the text of the constitutional changes was published in the government gazette, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
The reforms represent an important legislative victory in the final weeks of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's term, who has often clashed with judges he describes as corrupt. According to him, the reform will serve the interests of ordinary citizens.
His critics, in turn, believe that choosing judges instead of appointing them would end the political independence of the judiciary and undermine investor confidence.
The reform was backed by López Obrador and approved by his allies in Congress and a majority of state legislatures earlier this month.
López Obrador signed the decree to publish the reform while sitting next to his successor, Claudia Sheinbaum, according to a recording posted on social networks.
The publication of the constitutional reform in the government gazette marks the start of the preparation process for the first elections for federal judges, including Supreme Court judges, which will be held in June next year, notes Reuters.