MEXICO CITY -Lawmakers in Mexico's lower house of Congress approved in general terms a sweeping judicial reform in a committee vote late on Monday, paving the way for a final debate when the newly-elected Congress begins its term next month.

The proposed reform calls for the popular election of over 7,000 judges and magistrates, including Supreme Court justices. It has caused thousands of judicial workers opposed to the proposal to go on strike while stoking friction with the United States, Mexico's top trade partner.

The would-be reform was proposed in February by outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who has often clashed with the courts.

If enacted, the first elections would be held to replace Supreme Court judges next June. The makeup of the top court would be reduced from 11 to nine judges. Magistrates as well as open judicial positions in Mexico's court system would also be elected over a couple staggered votes.

Among the bill's provisions, a 35-year age limit for judges on the top court would be scrapped and the experience requirement would be slashed from 10 to five years. Other judges would no longer need to comply with a minimum experience standard.

Lopez Obrador argues the reform is needed because the current system "does not serve the people."

President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, who will take office on Oct. 1, also backs the reform, arguing it would boost democracy and feature controls to ensure that competent jurists are elected.

Among the overhaul's detractors, many investors have argued that it would weaken the judiciary's independence and its status as a counterweight to other elected branches of government.

According to analysts, the ruling Morena party and its allies will likely command the two-thirds majority needed to pass the reform once the new Congress takes office in September.

  - Reuters