Mexican senate gives general approval to sweeping changes to judiciary

Ruling party secures votes for overhaul, which has sparked protests amid fears it could undermine rule of law

Mexico's senate has given general approval to sweeping judicial changes in which judges will be elected by popular vote, a profound transformation that critics fear could threaten the rule of law and damage the economy.

The senate will now debate reservations raised by lawmakers before giving final approval to the overhaul proposed by the outgoing president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and which passed the lower house last week. Senators voted 86 to 41 in favour of the general approval.