Mexico's Judicial Overhaul: Electing Judges by Popular Vote

Mexico's Senate has given initial approval to a major judicial reform that aims to elect judges by popular vote. Critics are concerned this could undermine the rule of law and harm the economy. The Senate will now address reservations from lawmakers before giving final approval to the reform proposed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

Mexico's Senate gave general approval early Wednesday to a sweeping judicial reform that will overhaul the country's judiciary by electing judges by popular vote, a profound transformation that critics fear could threaten the rule of law and damage the economy.

The Senate will now move to debating reservations raised by lawmakers before giving final approval to the reform proposed by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and which passed the lower house last week.

(With inputs from agencies.)