Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has signed a controversial law that makes Mexico the world's only country to elect all its judges by popular vote, a move he claims is necessary to clean up a judiciary he deems corrupt and elitist. Critics argue that the reform could make judges more vulnerable to political and cartel pressures. Despite significant protests and strikes, the legislation passed through Congress, where López Obrador's party holds large majorities. The reform reduces the number of Supreme Court judges from 11 to nine, caps their term at 12 years, and lowers work experience requirements. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, a close ally, will oversee the implementation of these reforms when she takes office on October 1. The changes have also sparked diplomatic tensions with the United States and Canada, and concerns over democratic backsliding within Mexico.