Senate Showdown: Mexico's Judiciary Reform in Jeopardy

Mexico's opposition senators are uniting to potentially block controversial judicial reforms advanced by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. With the ruling party Morena and its allies one vote short of the two-thirds majority needed in the Senate, the outcome of next week's vote remains uncertain. The reform would radically change Mexico's judiciary by electing judges through popular vote.

Mexico's opposition senators are joining forces to block controversial judicial reforms pushed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The reforms, which face a Senate vote next week, aim to overhaul Mexico's judiciary by introducing popular elections for judges.

The ruling party Morena and its allies need one more vote to secure the two-thirds majority required. Despite expectations that the ruling bloc may find that vote or bypass the need through absentees, opposition to the reforms remains strong. Alejandro Moreno, president of the opposition PRI party, confirmed that all 15 of his senators would vote against the reforms in a recent radio interview.

Opposition members and analysts have raised concerns about the ruling bloc's tactics, including alleged intimidation and vote-buying, which Morena denies. The reform has also sparked anxiety among investors and the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who fear it could undermine a vital check on executive power and negatively impact the business climate in Latin America's second-largest economy.

(With inputs from agencies.)