Mexicans headed to the polls on Sunday to cast their votes in the country's first-ever elections for members of the judiciary -- from the federal supreme court to local courts.
A total of 881 judges and magistrates at the national and regional levels, including nine Supreme Court justices, would be selected through the unprecedented elections, according to the National Electoral Institute.
Thousands of polling stations were set up nationwide for the one-day vote, said the institute.
"I think the judicial reforms and votes are very important for Mexico, because there has never been a judge elected through public vote. I believe casting votes to select judges like this is good for the vast majority of Mexicans," a male voter said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) at a polling station in Mexico City.
The results of the elections are expected to be announced in 10 days.
Sunday's elections followed an approval from Mexico's Congress of the Union last September for an overhaul of the judicial system, which included the introduction of direct elections for all judges by public vote, and a reduction in the number of Supreme Court justices from 11 to 9.
Mexico holds first-ever judicial elections
Mexico holds first-ever judicial elections
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
