According to the Associated Press, Mexico's Senate passed a piece of legislation last month which forces all judges to stand for election.

The controversial move has sparked outrage on Mexico's highest judicial body, with eight of 11 Supreme Court justices announcing their retirement this week. 

President threatens judges with loss of their pensions if the don't resign

As ABC News reported, Supreme Court President Norma Piña joined seven of her colleagues in submitting a letter of resignation on Tuesday.

That came after recently elected left-wing President Claudia Sheinbaum threatened that judges who did not step down would lose their pensions if they did not want to face voters in June.

Before it can take effect, the legislation must be approved by at least 17 of Mexico's 32 states, with Oaxaca quickly voting to do so.

ABC News noted that the campaign for an elected judiciary was pushed by former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador on the grounds that it would reduce corruption.

Meanwhile, detractors have countered that such a change could politicize judicial decisions and thus undermine the rule of law.

Critics warn that the rule of law could be at risk

Critics include the Mexican Employers' Association (Coparmex), which released a statement warning that the change "puts at risk the fundamental guarantees that have protected citizens for decades."

The legislation also brought loud protests from law students and judicial employees, who at one point attempted to storm Mexico's Senate.

What's more, the Associated Press noted that the reform could also be challenged at the Inter-American Court of Human Rights as it may run afoul of treaties Mexico is a party too.

U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar expressed reservations as well, describing the change as a "risk" to democracy and economic development.

Expert: Foreign opposition could drum up domestic support

However, some observers believe that outside pressure could increase support among the public for an elected judicial branch.

Among them is Georgina de la Fuente who serves as an academic member of the Observatory of Political Reforms in Latin America.

Mexico’s Senate has approved a reform of the country’s electoral institute, a move that opponents say will undercut democracy but which the president contends will save money and reduce political privileges. https://t.co/kof6450Gfa

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 23, 2023

"Any order coming from abroad will be manipulated in the public discourse as interference or violation of national sovereignty," she was quoted as telling the Associated Press.