Protesters Storm Mexican Senate Over Controversial Reforms

Mexican legislators approved a controversial judicial overhaul on Wednesday, despite having to change venue after protestors stormed the debate chamber mid-session.

The proposal will see all judges in the country elected by popular vote rather than via an appointment system.

Supporters of the plan say it will make judges more democratically accountable, but critics say it will undermine constitutional checks and balances and strengthen the power of the ruling Left-wing populist party Morena.

Although a few countries hold elections for some judicial positions, the changes will make Mexico the first country in the world to allow voters to elect judges at all levels.

Footage showed dozens of demonstrators on Tuesday night flooding into the building, waving Mexican flags and chanting “traitors” at lawmakers who were in favour of the reform.