The Mexican Supreme Court Monday elected Norma Lucia Piña Hernández as the first female chief justice in the court’s history. Piña was elected to a four-year term after three rounds of voting and received six votes to prevail over Minister Alfredo Gutierrez Ortiz Mena’s five votes. After being elected, Piña affirmed, “Judicial independence is indispensable in resolving conflicts between the branches of government…my main proposal is to work to build majorities, leaving aside my personal vision.”

Political figures and organizations in Mexico welcomed Piña’s victory. President of the General Council of the National Electoral Institute (INE) Lorenzo Córdova expressed the importance of an independent judiciary for the preservation of the constitutional order and the future of democracy. Minister Yasmin Esquivel Mossa, who was also in the race for the presidency of the court, stated her appreciation and congratulations to Piña. Piña’s election was also welcomed by members of the opposition, such as Kenia López Rabadán, who applauded her appointment.