Mexico's planned judicial reform is 'major risk' to democracy, says US ambassador

Employees of the federal judiciary hold a protest during an indefinite nationwide strike before lawmakers vote on the country's judicial reform, including moving to the popular election of judges, outside their offices in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico August 21, 2024. REUTERS/Jose Luis Gonzalez.

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The proposed reform of Mexico's judiciary threatens the country's democracy and its vital trade relationship with the United States, the top U.S. diplomat in Mexico said on Thursday, while his Canadian counterpart warned of investor worries.

The controversial reform, set for a congressional vote in September, proposes that judges, including all Supreme Court justices, be elected by popular vote.