Next year, Mexico will become the first country in the world to begin electing all its judges by popular vote. The radical judicial reform was passed by the Senate in September, where the ruling Morena party hold a commanding majority. They argue the change will promote transparency and accountability in a justice system which has faced accusations of corruption, nepotism, and bowing to political and criminal pressure. But critics say it is a direct threat to democracy which weakens the ability of the judiciary to hold the government to account - including the Supreme Court. On today's episode, Lucy Hockings is joined by the BBC's correspondent in Mexico, Will Grant. They examine the politics behind this shakeup, and discuss why many members of the legal community are protesting the measures. The Global Story brings you trusted insights from BBC journalists worldwide. We want your ideas, stories and experiences to help us understand and tell #TheGlobalStory. Email us at theglobalstory@bbc.com You can also message us or leave a voice note via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. Producers: Mariana Hernández Carrillo and Laurie Kalus Sound engineer: Rohan Madison Assistant editor: Sergi Forcada Freixas Senior news editor: Sara Wadeson
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Hello, I'm Lucy Hawkins from the BBC World Service.
This is the Global Story.
Next year, Mexico will become the first country in the the world to elect its entire judiciary, from the local level all the way up to the Supreme Court.
The ruling Murrayna Party passed the landmark constitutional reform bill in September.
Critics call it a power grab.
Supreme Court justices resigned.
Judicial workers went on strike.
Protesters stormed the Congress building.
Mexico's top courts have long faced public criticism for corruption, nepotism and bowing to political and criminal pressure.
But does this overhaul pose a threat to democracy and rule of law?
Or is it democracy in action?
With me today is will Grant, the BBC's correspondent in Mexico.
Hi, Will.
Hi, Lucy.
Will, good to have you with us.
We're going to be talking about the justice system on the podcast, but obviously the need for, for a justice system is because of crime.
And I think the one thing we all understand about Mexico is that violence, the cartels and organised crime is a huge problem.