Mexico's lower house of Congress has approved a controversial judicial reform aimed at electing federal judges through popular vote, a significant shift that has drawn criticism from various quarters, including U.S. officials. The vote, which passed with 359 in favor and 135 against, occurred amid protests from judicial workers and Supreme Court justices, with many fearing the reform could politicize the judiciary and increase corruption. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) argues that the changes will enhance accountability among judges. The proposal will now move to the Senate, where AMLO's ruling Morena party is expected to secure the necessary votes despite being one seat shy of a supermajority. The debate highlighted deep divisions, with some lawmakers framing the reform as a vendetta against judicial independence. Legal experts and analysts are concerned that the changes could undermine democratic principles and the rule of law in Mexico.