Controversial Mexican Judicial Reform Bill Cleared After Lower House Vote

Mexico's lower house has approved a controversial judicial reform bill backed by President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. The bill, which now goes to the Senate, mandates the popular election of judges. Despite opposition and a judicial workers' strike, the ruling party easily passed the bill, citing the need to reduce corruption.

Mexico's lower house on Wednesday morning gave its final approval to a controversial judicial reform bill, now paving the way for it to go to the Senate.

The bill's passage marks a crucial step toward cementing a key ambition of outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and setting the tone for the next administration. Ruling party Morena and its allies—holding a supermajority in the lower house—easily passed the reform despite pushback from the opposition bloc.

In the Senate, the ruling faction is also expected to push the bill's approval. The reform, which calls for the popular election of judges, has led to a strike by judicial workers, strained relations with the United States and generated concern in financial markets.

Lopez Obrador has argued that the reform is necessary to hold judges accountable and reduce corruption.

(With inputs from agencies.)