Mexico has become the first country to allow voters to elect judges at all levels, after debate on the reform sparked mass demonstrations, diplomatic tensions and investor jitters.

The reform was approved on Wednesday( 12 September ) with 86 votes in favour and 41 against, garnering the two-thirds majority needed to amend the constitution in an upper chamber dominated by the ruling Morena party and its allies.

Opponents, including court employees and law students have held a series of protests against the plan, under which all judges including local, high-level and Supreme Court judges would be chosen by popular vote.

Around 1,600 judges would have to stand for election in 2025 or 2027.