The International Bar Association (IBA) has said that plans by Mexico’s president for changes to the country’s judicial system raise “serious concerns”.

The statement by IBA President Almudena Arpón de Mendívil Aldama comes as the global lawyers’ group prepares to hold its annual conference in Mexico City this month.

The proposals from President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s include the election by popular vote of ministers of the Supreme Court, federal judges, and magistrates, in addition to the reduction of their terms of office, the linking of their salaries to those of the executive branch, and the creation of a judicial disciplinary court elected by popular vote.

Independence

The IBA statement highlighted concerns expressed by other professional bodies about the impact of the plans on the independence of Mexico’s judicial branch.

President Aldama said that the IBA supported reviews of the judiciary branch when they involved operational improvements, access to justice and, “most importantly”, independence.

She stated that the reform proposals should not risk “the essential mission of an independent judiciary, namely the fundamental right of all persons to receive an independent, professional and fair administration of justice, which is recognised by the Mexican Constitution”.

‘Careful study’

The IBA president also warned Mexico against jeopardising economic growth by affecting the rule of law in the country.

She described the timing of the proposals as “worrisome”, citing the doubts about any potential benefits.

“Such far-reaching and concerning proposals require an even more careful study of their potential impact on an independent, professional and fair judicial branch. There is too much at stake for Mexico and Latin America. There is no rush,” she concluded.