Office of the President of Mexico

Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador at a press conference in Mexico's National Palace on Oct. 2, 2020.

MEXICO CITY — Mexico’s president recently proposed a referendum to ask voters if his predecessors should be brought to justice. The country’s Supreme Court has ruled in favor with some adjustments after raising questions about the judicial system and its independence.

When he took office, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador promised that he wouldn’t go after his predecessors for alleged crimes and corruption. But recently he decided to leave that decision to voters.

The Supreme Court approved a referendum coordinated by the Mexican Electoral Institute. 

The president wanted to include the names of the five previous presidents, but the court modified the question. Next year, Mexicans will be asked if they agree to bring to justice against political actors to guarantee justice for possible victims.

But critics say the court yielded to the president’s pressure, while charging taxpayers for an unnecessary referendum.