Congress Overhauls Judicial Timeline and Structure

Mexico's Congress of the Union approved a reform reshaping the Judiciary's calendar and organization. The next popular vote judicial elections shift from 2027 to 2028, while the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) will establish two new chambers.

According to CNN en Español, the Chamber of Deputies backed the postponement and created a coordinating commission to improve candidate selection across all three branches ahead of the next electoral process. The measure also divides Supreme Court workload into two chambers to handle lower-stakes cases and accelerate rulings from the full court.

Procesan had previously reported that the proposal would defer elections and restore the chamber system, a structure eliminated in Mexico's prior judicial overhaul.

Modifying the New Judicial Model

The reform adjusts a cornerstone of Mexico's revamped judicial system, which introduced direct popular election of judges and magistrates. With the delay, the first comprehensive turnover via popular vote now happens in 2028 while the coordinating commission establishes selection criteria. Reintroducing two chambers at the Supreme Court aims to distribute the nation's top tribunal's workload.

Next Steps

The reform takes effect once legislative proceedings conclude, followed by operational rules for both the chambers and coordinating commission. The 2028 timeline will determine when job postings launch and new selection process stages roll out.

Sources