AMLO’s Judicial Reform Jumps First Hurdle in Mexico Congress
- Mexican leader seeks approval before leaving office next month
- Judges, investors and US say plan poses risk to democracy
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A key congressional committee approved President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador’s plan to overhaul the Mexican judicial system Monday, paving the way for Congress to consider the controversial proposal that opponents say will put democracy at risk.
The lower house’s constitution committee voted to advance the general text of the plan, which would require that all federal judges in Mexico, including members of the Supreme Court, are elected by popular vote. The committee could still make changes to the bill in subsequent votes, although the main reform — the judicial elections — is virtually guaranteed to remain a part of the legislation.