Eight Mexican Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice Norma Piña, announced they would resign rather than participate in judicial elections mandated by a recent judicial overhaul.

The reform, championed by former President López Obrador and his successor Claudia Sheinbaum, shifts judicial appointments from Senate selection to public elections, aiming to reduce corruption.

However, critics warn this threatens judicial independence and subjects courts to political influence, the Associated Press has reported.

As the Supreme Court prepares to review the law, Congress passed an amendment to protect the overhaul from legal challenges, sparking concerns from business groups and opposition leaders.

Written by B.C. Begley