PARIS – The Central Council of the International Union of Magistrates (UIM) has officially resolved to expel the National Commission of Superior Courts of Justice of the United Mexican States (CONATRIB). The decision follows the Mexican association’s public endorsement of the judicial reform pushed by the current administration and approved in September 2024.
The expulsion stems from CONATRIB’s official statement issued on June 28, 2024, which supported the election of judges and magistrates through a popular vote. The UIM’s committee had previously warned that such a mechanism contradicts established principles of merit-based designation and objective criteria, directly threatening judicial tenure and independence.
Following these warnings, the UIM initiated a formal review process and requested a report from CONATRIB. In its submission on June 30, 2025, the Mexican association argued that the reform was “a product of the exercise of popular sovereignty” and that they were “constitutionally obligated to comply with it.”
However, the two rapporteurs designated by the UIM—representing Argentina and Spain—concluded that CONATRIB’s response failed to address the core concerns. They warned that by backing the popular election of judges, the association “endorsed a mechanism contrary to the independence and apoliticism required by the statutes for member associations.”
As a result, the UIM determined that CONATRIB no longer met the conditions required for its admission.
The motion for expulsion was put to a secret ballot vote last week. Of the 70 delegations represented, 53 voted in favor of the exclusion, 13 voted against, and four abstained. The motion was passed with approximately 80% of the votes cast, significantly exceeding the two-thirds majority required by the UIM statutes.
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