The politics of reform in Mexico
The International Herald Tribune reports that judicial reform is likely in Mexico this week.And why has the reform effort been successful, when Fox unsuccessfully pushed many of the same reforms for six years? Forbes published a report by Oxford Analytica, an independent strategic-consulting firm, that offers a political explanation.
Mexican judicial reforms draw praise for oral trials, criticism for new police powers
"Mexican lawmakers are likely to approve the most significant overhaul of the nation's justice system in 100 years — constitutional changes that increase transparency by creating oral trials but also give police the right to enter homes and look at private records without warrants.
"The measure is evoking both praise and alarm among legal experts and human rights organizations, who for years have been clamoring for profound reforms in a system that is widely considered outdated, dysfunctional and unfair.
"The lower house of Congress passed the measure by a broad margin Wednesday night, and the Senate is expected to approve it no later than Saturday, when lawmakers go into holiday recess...
"The result: For the first time in history, the presumption of innocence will be guaranteed in Mexico's constitution. Oral public trials, already in place in some states, will replace corruption-tainted, closed-door proceedings nationwide. Suspects will be represented by qualified public defenders instead of "advocates" who often lack law degrees. And the government will increase financing for defenders' offices..."
Significant Reforms Ahead For Mexico
"Next year may bring political consolidation for the administration of President Felipe Calderon.
"Contrary to expectations, the president has governed effectively and secured approval of important reforms on taxation and public expenditure, public sector pensions and electoral issues. The first was a particular triumph, as the previous Fox administration unsuccessfully attempted it twice.
"The government has been able to work with a divided Congress, particularly the center-left Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), and probably will continue to do so...
"Divisions within the center-left Party of the Democratic Revolution will benefit the government.
"De facto PRD leader, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador... is likely to be ignored. A new leader will be elected in March 2008, probably Jesus Ortega, rather than Lopez Obrador's candidate, Alejandro Encinas.
"During 2008, divisions between those willing to work with the government (including all PRD governors outside Mexico City), and those that follow Lopez Obrador, will continue to widen, possibly causing the party to fragment. Calderon will do his best to isolate Lopez Obrador further..."
Labels: change, Mexico, politics
posted by Ken Wedding @ 8:38 AM
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Mexican Congress delays sweeping justice reform
"Mexican lawmakers have postponed the approval of a sweeping justice reform until next year...
"The Senate approved Calderón's proposal late Thursday but made minor changes that meant the bill had to be sent back to the lower house...
"Senators modified the version passed by the lower house to restrict police powers to enter homes without a warrant.
"Critics of the bill have said it goes too far and would violate civil liberties..."
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