Mexico Senate passes controversial judicial reform amid protests

During a dramatic late-night session, an opposition senator broke ranks and voted in favour of the reform, meaning it had the two-thirds majority needed for constitutional change.

There will be further debate on points raised by lawmakers on details of the bill before it is given its final approval but the general vote on Wednesday morning was the key one.

Its approval is a victory for President López Obrador, whose term is coming to an end on 30 September.

The outgoing president had thrown his weight behind the reform after repeatedly clashing with Mexico’s Supreme Court, which during his six-year term has blocked some of his proposed changes in the energy and security sector.

Under the new system, Supreme Court justices will have to stand for popular election.