Yahoo TV

STORY: :: Mexico's Senate debates a controversial judicial

reform as protesters block streets outside

:: September 10, 2024

:: Mexico City, Mexico

“We are definitely against it because it does not strengthen the judicial career which is what any constitutional reform should seek, it should strengthen the justice system and of course a strong justice system guarantees democracy, peace and security to this nation."

The vote is expected to be tight, with the ruling coalition formally one senator short of the two-thirds majority needed to pass the constitutional reform, which will overhaul the country's judiciary by popularly electing judges and cutting the amount of experience needed to hold posts.

The reform also proposes reducing the number of Supreme Court justices to nine from 11, shortening their terms to 12 years and cutting required work experience from 10 to five years.

Senators are expected to vote on the reform later, with debate likely to go into the early hours of Wednesday.

Protesters blocked roads and waved Mexican flags outside the Senate building in opposition to the reform, which has prompted widespread demonstrations in recent weeks.